British Painting and Sculpture, 1960-1970

November 12, 1970-January 3, 1971

Overview: 62 examples of painting and sculpture by 26 contemporary British artists were selected by Sir Norman Reid, director of the Tate Gallery, London, and organized by the British Arts Council. Included were the established artists Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson, Graham Sutherland, Francis Bacon, and Anthony Caro, and younger artists who rose to prominence in the 1960s, such as David Hockney, Peter Blake, and Richard Hamilton. The exhibition celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of the English-Speaking Union in the United States. Because of the scale of many works, the show was installed on the Main Floor of the Gallery's original West Building, the first time contemporary art was exhibited there. In the room devoted to the sculpture of Anthony Caro, a white plastic floor covering was laid; with walls and floor all matching white, the sculpture seemed to float in a void. The exhibition was coordinated by H. Lester Cooke, curator of painting.

Attendance: 59,007 (51 days)

Location: Main Floor, Galleries adjacent to East Garden Court

Catalogue: British Painting and Sculpture, 1960-1970: An Exhibition Organised by the Tate Gallery and the British Council, London, by Edward Lucie-Smith. London: Tate Gallery, 1970.

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