Our collection of modern British art features paintings from the mid 20th century to the present day by some of the UK’s most established and well-loved artists. The twentieth century was a time of unpredicted freedom in expression of art, where artists began breaking away from time-honoured traditions. During this period, British art has been characterised by a diverse range of movements and styles that reflect the social and environmental changes of the time.
Famously, Laurence Stephen Lowry’s (1887-1976) distinct style of painting, perfectly captured industrial landscapes, and the life of the working-class. Another prominent artist was Sir Kyffin Williams (1918-2006), a Welsh painter, best known for his depictions of the Welsh countryside, made with impasto palette knife marks. He flawlessly used grey palettes with green accents to replicate the scenes of Wales. Known both for his watercolour and oil paintings, Edward Seago (1910-1974) was another renowned artist of this era. He was best known for his paintings of street scenes and beachscapes, using carefully picked colours to effortlessly capture scenes with intricate detail. Pop art was also rising at the time, as the post-war years in Britain saw a period of cultural and artistic transformation. Artists were creating works that drew inspiration from consumer society and celebrated the vibrancy of post-war Britain – while also critiquing problems such as inequality.
Modern British paintings from this movement are still cherished today, with some works conveying messages that still adhere to current audiences, and other works experimenting with new, unique styles.
