'Father of pop art' Hamilton dies aged 89: gallery

British artist Richard Hamilton, known as the father of pop art, died Tuesday at the age of 89, the gallery which represented him said.

"This is a very sad day for all of us and our thoughts are with Richard's family, particularly his wife Rita and his son Rod," said gallery owner Larry Gagosian.

Hamilton was best known for his pop art collages, such as the 1956 work featuring a bodybuilder and entitled "Just What Is It That Makes Today's Homes So Different, So Appealing?"

The collage was credited by some as the beginning of the English pop art movement.

He also designed the plain white cover for the Beatles' "White Album" of 1968.

Hamilton is believed to have died after an illness, but the Gagosian Gallery did not give any more details about the cause or say where he died.