Description
Book SynopsisAs the twenty-first century unfolds, notions of our cultural past and how our history has influenced our present shift almost daily. Within this, accepted artistic trajectories are being questioned and new connections made.
In this wide-ranging and thought-provoking publication, experts in their field address specific aspects of British art of the twentieth century. Presenting new perspectives on established narratives, subjects range from British Surrealism and the rise of corporate and private patronage, to nationality and British identity. Complemented by a range of striking images, this publication succeeds in showing the strength of the British artistic tradition while also encouraging the reader to rethink and explore the existing narrative.
Trade Review‘An intelligent and engaging reappraisal of modern British art.’ – Sir Stephen Deuchar, CBE, Director, Art Fund, 2010–2020 Director, Tate Britain, 1998–2010
‘This inclusive, questioning, invigorating book feels like a game-changer. It reframes modern British art and asks us to celebrate a more expansive and exciting idea of Britishness.’ – Charlotte Mullins, author of A Little History of Art
‘Through this careful and original reconsideration, modern British art emerges in an expanded form, more relevant than ever and more urgent in its message.’ – Kate Bryan, Art Curator, Writer, Advisor and Broadcaster Head of Collections at Soho House globally
‘For its wide variety of approach and independence of thought, this collection of studies is most timely. More than useful, this is an important book.’ – William Packer, painter and critic
'Revisiting Modern British Art is a significant contribution to its field, and to British art in general, in reassessing and re-energising this increasingly popular area of history for a 21st century audience.' – Country Life
Selected as one of FAD Magazine's Top Art Books to Read in 2023:
'An interesting and refreshing look at Modern British Art and how it has evolved and continues to evolve. Ranging from how the two World Wars impacted the trajectory of art in Britain to essays on how it’s being re-written to account for the contribution of black and Asian-British artists.' - Tabish Khan, FAD Magazine
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements; Foreword, Jo Baring; Reflecting on Modern British Art, James Russell; Section 1: Moments - 1. Life Begins, Alexandra Harris; 2. The Surreal Magic of Nature, Laura Smith; 3. A World of Private Mystery, Simon Martin; 4. Hearth and Home, Laura Freeman; 5. Just Another Chap in Overalls, Harriet Baker; 6. 'Positive, Emphatic, Dramatic', James Rawlin; 7. Collage Into Painting, Elena Crippa; Section 2: Structures - 8. A National Visual Culture?, James Purdon; 9. Behind the Scenes of the Museum, Jo Baring; 10. Artistic Britishness?, Hammad Nasar; 11. Back to the Future, Natalie Rudd; 12. A Personal Call for a More Expansive British Art, Aindrea Emelife; Notes; Picture Credits; Index
