1960

The 1960s was a period of energy and optimism. After the difficult recovery from the Second World War, life in Britain was improving. Social norms were challenged by people looking for freedom and individuality. The art in this room is reflective of the social and creative developments of the decade.

Artists took their subjects from the everyday world. Some approached abstract art in new ways. Conceptual art was devised, where the idea behind a work is more important than the finished object. Performance and video were used by artists for the first time. Pop art, inspired by popular culture, was thriving.