Art in Britain 1950-2000 - 'This is Tomorrow' (Part 1)

About this course

The course traces developments in British art from the post-war period to the emergence of the Young British Artists, using the 1956 exhibition This is Tomorrow as a starting point. It examines selected artists and artist groups across successive decades, including Eduardo Paolozzi, Prunella Clough, Frank Bowling, Bridget Riley, Margaret Harrison and Gustav Metzger. Teaching is based on illustrated lectures and group discussion. Topics include artists’ use of painting, sculpture, mixed media and photography, the social and political contexts surrounding their work, and the formal qualities of selected artworks.

What you'll learn

• Relate selected British artworks to social, political and cultural issues from their period.
• Explain the working methods and media used by selected artists and artist groups.
• Describe formal visual elements and artistic styles in artworks studied on the course.

Is this course right for you?

The course is listed as suitable for all levels and is taught through lectures, slide presentations and group discussion. Participants should be able to follow simple written and spoken instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information.

• Participation includes group discussion alongside lecture-based teaching.
• The course covers British art across several decades and a range of media.

Before you go

• A notebook may be useful for taking notes.
• Books from any reading list may be purchased if desired.
• Tutor handouts are provided digitally through Google Classroom.