SHEFFIELD.- A new exhibition at the Graves Gallery this spring will showcase the work of one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century. Opening in April, Andy Warhol: Late Self-Portraits will bring a series of Warhol’s most iconic self-portraits to the city. The exhibition will be co-curated by Anthony d’Offay, the renowned art dealer who donated his collection to the nation in 2008.

Andy Warhol (1928 – 1987) remains one of the most influential figures in contemporary art and culture. A household name around the globe, he produced some of the most recognisable images of the last 50 years. Often focussing on celebrity, the hugely popular work Warhol created throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s saw him find fame to equal that of the star subjects he frequently depicted.

The exhibition will include a number of Warhol’s best-known self-portraits, including Self-Portrait with Fright Wig (1986), Self-Portrait Strangulation (1978) and Self-Portrait in a Dark Suit (1981), as well as a series of posters created by and featuring the artist.

Andy Warhol: Late Self-Portraits will also offer a unique insight into the ‘real’ Andy Warhol from the people who knew him best. Created by art historian Dr Jean Wainwright, The Search for Andy Warhol’s Voice features a series of audio recordings of Warhol’s family and close friends talking about the artist’s childhood, relationships and approach to his work.

The Andy Warhol works going on display at the Graves Gallery are taken from ARTIST ROOMS, an inspirational collection of modern and contemporary art donated by Anthony d’Offay to Tate and National Galleries of Scotland for the nation. The ARTIST ROOMS tour, now in its fourth year, is showing at 17 museums and galleries across the UK in 2012. The tour is made possible thanks to the support of national fundraising charity the Art Fund which helps UK museums and galleries to buy, show and share art.

Andy Warhol: Late Self-Portraits is the second ARTIST ROOMS exhibition at the Graves Gallery, following the success of ARTIST ROOMS: Robert Mapplethorpe in 2009.

Nick Dodd, Chief Executive at Museums Sheffield said:‘Andy Warhol: Late Self-Portraits reaffirms the Graves Gallery’s position as a showcase for work from some of the UK’s finest collections and highlights the important role the gallery plays in the cultural life of the city. We look forward to working with Anthony on the exhibition and are grateful for his and ARTIST ROOMS’ continuing support.’

Born in Sheffield, Anthony d’Offay opened his first London gallery at the age of 25. Over the next 35 years he went on to champion artists including Willem de Kooning, Roy Lichtenstein, Lucian Freud, Gerhard Richter, Gilbert and George and Rachel Whiteread.

Anthony d’Offay said:‘It is an honour for me to help bring to Sheffield this ARTIST ROOMS exhibition of self-portraits by Andy Warhol, the best-loved American artist of the post war period.’

Andy Warhol: Late Self-Portraits will open at the Graves Gallery on Wednesday 11 April and continue until Saturday 1 December 2012. Entry to the exhibition is FREE.