A GIFTED street artist has been picked for a prestigious project to paint one of the most famous entertainment venues in the world – the Royal Albert Hall.

For the first time ever, the famous London landmark will open up its doors to the cream of the UK’s urban artists and host the most unique exhibition in its 138-year history.

A handful of ‘graffers’, including Dan Kitchener from south Essex, have been commissioned by the hall, in partnership with creative pioneers Daydream Network, to turn the walls of the historic venue’s loading bay into a gallery of graffiti and street artwork.

The project, entitled Load, will see Dan and his fellow artists create a graphical journey through some of the most memorable moments in the venue’s history.

Dan, 34, said: “It’s the first time something like this has been done at the Royal Albert Hall and the first time the loading bay will be opened to the public, so it’s going to be pretty amazing.

“The work will depict the hall from its opening in 1871 through to one of the first showcases of electric lighting, the suffragettes movement, Winston Churchill’s TV broadcast with Lord Montgomery and Mohammed Ali boxing fights.

“In addition to this, we will be creating 10ft high murals, across a 1,125sqm space of the most iconic musicians to have graced the hall’s legendary stage, including Jimi Hendrix, Pavarotti, Eric Clapton and Frank Sinatra.”

Dan, of Nevendon Road, Wickford, has already carved himself out a thriving career as a top illustrator and street artist, creating murals in the trendiest locations across the UK and abroad.

He was recently chosen to design a limited edition print for dance legends the Prodigy and has worked alongside the best street artists in the game.

Lucy Noble, head of programming at the Royal Albert Hall, added: “Load is one of the most ground-breaking projects we’ve had at the hall. We’re privileged to be working with some truly innovative young street artists to transform one of the largest and yet most unseen spaces in this iconic building.

“This will be a visually dynamic piece of art and will be a contemporary tribute to parts of our amazing history.”

A private viewing of Dan and his colleagues’ work will take place on Monday, June 15, with the public invited to see the exhibition for free for one day only on Monday, June 22.