The Sixties Art Scene in London Barbican Art Gallery

The Sixties witnessed the emergence of some of Britain's most influential artists. This book provides an overview of the interaction of art and culture during this exciting decade. The Sixties saw the rise of many of Britain's most influential artists, among them the painters Bridget Riley, Richard Hamilton and David Hackney and the sculptor Anthony Caro. This book explores the explosion of styles and techniques in painting and sculpture which took place in London between 1956 and 1969, and which brought unparalleled attention from the United States and Europe. It was a period of rapid change in art, music, fashion, graphic design and advertising, and London was shaken from its mood of post-War austerity and propelled into one of consumer optimism and experimentation. By 1965 London was hailed as the new world centre of contemporary art and culture. Much of the art of the time has been overlooked and the important contributions of the painters, sculptors, designers and photographers forgotten. David Mellor redresses the balance and paints a rich and full picture of a fascinating era.