THE RedHouse Originals show for the festive season, The Time Is Now, celebrates the finest in 21st century pop, modern and urban contemporary art.

On show are recent works by Sir Peter Blake, Pete McKee, Terry Cryer, Replete, Rourke Van Dal, David Rusbatch, Even and Tomo.

Blake, the Godfather of Pop Art, returns to David McTague’s gallery in Cheltenham Mount, Harrogate, to show work from The Butterfly Man: Homage To Damien Hirst.

“Damien has used butterflies a lot in his work, and it was pointed out that ‘the Butterfly Man’ owes more than a little to his work, so I was happy to dedicate him in homage to Damien,” says Sir Peter.

Looking ahead, RedHouse will continue to work closely with Blake on plans to celebrate his 80th birthday next year.

The legendary Pete McKee is exhibiting at RedHouse for the first time. “His distinctive illustrative style has really caught the imagination with collectors of his work including Noel Gallagher, Damien Hirst, The Arctic Monkeys and Paul Smith,” says David.

“McKee’s international reputation also continues to soar with recent shows taking in New York and Paul Smith’s Tokyo gallery, and his first London exhibition opened at Snap Galleries earlier this year.”

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas at RedHouse without a couple of crackers from Terry Cryer, says David. “This time he’s unveiling his stunning portrait of Peter O’Toole, taken in a Mayfair hotel in 1963 as the pair awaited a meeting with Ed Sullivan,” he says.

O’Toole and Cryer grew up around the corner from each other in Saville Green, Leeds, and had not met since an encounter during an inter-school football match in the late 1940s. “We met at the bar and discussed growing up in Leeds and the football match,” recalls Terry. “He was tremendous company and a true gentleman.”

The image is the precursor to a print release for 2012, when the portrait will be reproduced as an edition of lithographic Contone prints, each counter-signed by Cryer and O’Toole, with a limited number being made available to buy on the open market.

The enigmatic Replete is “one of the most accomplished and highly regarded painters in the Urban contemporary genre,” reckons David. “He worked under Academy Award-winning surrealist HR Giger, whose influence is prevalent throughout Replete’s astonishing portfolio.

“In our special exhibition at RedHouse, he’s showing recent work on canvas and an incredible series of paintings on found objects including Art Nouveau furniture, reclaimed mirrors and an attaché briefcase. They’re not to be missed.”

The Time Is Now is a chance for Rourke Van Dal to present “something completely different” from his trademark brand of Neo Pop. “He’s produced a remarkable series of portraits in homage to the artists who have inspired him throughout his career: Jackson Pollock, David Hockney and Andy Warhol and his tribute to the great Richard Hamilton,” says David.

The controversial David Rusbatch is focusing on exploring the theme of love and lust, following up his series of paintings of Howard Marks that he exhibited at RedHouse as part of The Mr Nice Project.

“Oil painter, photographer and rabble-rouser, Rusbatch is definitely one to watch,” says David.

The unusually named Even is represented by a collection of found-object paintings.

“A true pioneer and one of the most prolific artists from the Urban movement in his own right, he was also responsible for bringing Banksy to the Liverpool Biennial in 2006, introducing him to the best spots in the city to paint,” says David.

“Banksy’s infamous rat painting still stands proudly on the corner of Berry and Duke Street and its inception is the stuff of legend.”

Art alchemist Tomo returns to RedHouse with his brand of Quango Wangism, working between the between the boundaries of traditional painting, printmaking and illustration to create “magic” from found objects and discarded items that others overlook.

”An aficionado of the DIY ethic, Tomo held a collaborative exhibition with Even, entitled The Further Adventures Of Tomo And Even, that was a top draw at the Liverpool Biennial in 2008 and we’re delighted to welcome both artists back to Harrogate,” says David.

The RedHouse gallery is open seven days a week and the show continues across the festive season until January 30.

See redhouseoriginals.com for Christmas and New Year opening hours.