One of the most influential British artists of the 20th century, Richard Hamilton (1922–2011) is widely regarded as a founding figure of pop art, who continued to experiment and innovate over a career of 60 years. Tate Modern presents the first retrospective to encompass the full scope of Hamilton’s work, from his early exhibition designs of the 1950s to his final paintings of 2011. This exhibition explores his relationship to design, painting, photography and television, as well as his engagement and collaborations with other artists.

Hamilton is best known for his pivotal role in the birth of pop art, including the groundbreaking installation Fun House 1956. A centrepiece of the exhibition, this immersive room combines images from movie-posters, magazines and art history, and will be shown alongside a print of the era-defining Just what is it that makes today’s homes so different, so appealing?. The depiction of Mick Jagger in the iconic series Swingeing London 67 1968–9, as well as images of other celebrities such as Bing Crosby and Marilyn Monroe, will show Hamilton’s continued interest in popular culture. Wider contemporary issues and political subjects are also addressed in his work, including the Kent State shootings and the IRA ‘dirty protests’, as well as figures like Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair in such works as Treatment Room 1984 and Shock and Awe 2010. Hamilton’s interest in interiors, architecture and design is represented by his depictions of everything from the Guggenheim Museum in New York to a classic Braun toaster.

Richard Hamilton is curated by Mark Godfrey, Curator of International Art, Tate Modern with Hannah Dewar, Assistant Curator, Tate Modern.

Exhibition organised by the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid in collaboration with Tate Modern

*image (left)
Richard Hamilton
Swingeing London 67 (f) 1968–9
Acrylic, collage and aluminium on canvas
support: 673 x 851 mm frame: 848 x 1030 x 100 mm
Tate. Purchased 1969
© The estate of Richard Hamilton