Michael Craig-Martin Books

The latter half of the twentieth century witnessed British artists, architects, and designers rising to prominence globally. In the post-war reconstruction era, youth began to challenge established artistic norms, drawing inspiration from popular culture. This iconoclasm, rooted in the Pop movement, remains a vital aspect of British art. The book provides a year-by-year account, juxtaposing emerging talents with established figures, highlighting connections and contradictions across various visual disciplines, including architecture, interior design, and graphic art. Through images and text, it delves into the factors shaping British art's unique character, such as the distinctive art school teaching system, fashion, pop music, and political influences. Artists' responses to these elements have consistently been original and thought-provoking, paving the way for future innovation. Organized by decade, the book showcases achievements accompanied by insights from notable artists, designers, collectors, and critics who have significantly impacted each era. The creative landscape has thrived on encouragement, challenge, and opposition, enabling talents to transcend shifting tastes. Featuring over 250 artists, including Henry Moore, David Hockney, and Damien Hirst, this publication also commemorates the first fifty years of Thames and Hudson, founded by Walter Neurath in 1949, and its role in public education and arts support.