London’s art history is extremely rich and varied, extending far back beyond the Middle Ages and changing throughout each decade. Today, the city is thriving with fine art museums, street artists, installations, and exhibitions, and, for art lovers, there is no better city in the world to explore.
In this blog post, we’ll take a brief look into the timeline of artwork produced within this vibrant city over time. Let us delve deeper into what makes London a creative hub with its own distinct visual identity.
Image Source: Freepik
A look into a brief history of London art
The Elizabethan Era: When the Arts Blossomed
London art was thriving during the Elizabethan era, also thanks to Elizabeth I’s admiration for the arts.
This period of emergence started with Queen Elizabeth I’s accession to power in 1558. This golden age was characterised by a moment of economic buoyancy, which allowed plenty of new cultural works of art to emerge.
During this period, different forms of art surfaced, including performing arts, plays, poems, fine arts, and hallmarks. Some well-known names belonging to this era include William Shakespeare and Francis Bacon.
19th Century Splendour – Romanticism, Aestheticism & Impressionism Reach London’s Streets
Over the 19th century, the grandeur of the Elizabethan Era’s art leaves space for more emotional artistic expressions, including currents such as Romanticism, Aestheticism, and Impressionism. During this time, scientific advancements began to make available tools and techniques such as photographs and engravings.
The new artistic influences, coupled with modern science, shaped London’s perception of art throughout the 1800s. However, these works of art remain as current as ever and, for collections, works of art from the romantic or impressionist periods are a great way to make a simple space look luxurious and sophisticated.
Modernist Culture Reaching a New Audience During World War II
In the 1930s and 40s, London was galvanised by a new wave of modernists, who sought to capture the spirit of the war-torn time. Artists like Henry Moore explored moving forms that embodied human emotions in bronze sculptures, while others, such as Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth, and Robert Medley explored abstract shapes within their works.
During this period, art reached audiences across the world, sending powerful messages about hope amid the turmoil. During this time, artists also tried to reflect the new reality of the industrial era and brought to the eyes of the viewer scenes of everyday life.
If you are looking to enhance your space with the fine art from the Modernist culture that permeated London in the 1940s, there are stunning paintings for sale and collections that can help you find the best pieces for your needs.
The 1960s and the Pop Art Wave
During the 1960s, London was taken by storm by a Pop Art wave.
During this time, British sculptors like Allen Jones, Richard Hamilton, and Peter Phillips created iconic pieces that are still relevant and eye-catching to this day. As part of the youth culture revolution, these works explored consumerism with humour and playfulness.
During this period, brighter colours dominated canvases much more than they used to in previously established styles such as expressionism or romanticism. Under the influence of the work of Andy Warhol and other great artists who emerged during the 1960s, British art began to reflect the world we live in today.
Graffiti and Street Art Take Over in the 1980s
The 1980s had a drastic influence on what London looks like today. During this decade, street art and graffiti became increasingly popular and became a way for young artists to express their ideas and feelings.
With major figures like Banksy and Stick making their way onto the scene, a revolution was taking place across public spaces throughout the city. From wheatpaste posters to aerosol stencils, each artist had their own signature style. Whether it be political messages or social awareness pieces, these works transformed parts of London as visual maps highlighting people’s journeys through life.
Contemporary Art Involving Interaction and Technology
Modern London’s art scene includes a wide variety of unique interactive experiences and exhibitions. From engaging installations created to encourage audience participation, to digital landscapes driven by cutting-edge technology, there are endless ways to experience the contemporary concept of art in London.
Some of the tools used by today’s artists include games, virtual reality, and multimedia surfaces, which make their art truly come to life.
Exploring London Art: 5 Tips For a Full Immersion
If you are planning a visit to London to explore the city’s history of art and culture, it is important to know how to make the best of your experience. Here are five simple tips that can make your journey through London art a more meaningful one:
- Visit different neighborhoods, get to know the area, and search for graffiti or street art.
- Go for an alternative guided tour such as one focused on modernist culture, contemporary art, drama production or historical sites related to London’s art scene.
- Always check out the most important museums, galleries and cultural centers.
- Visit artist studios with open doors policies and experience their creative process up close.
- Attend theater productions, comedy shows or musical performances that bring innovative styles of expression to London! After all, a visit to West End is a must!
London certainly has something for everyone in terms of art and entertainment – be prepared to take it all in!
