Free Display
Modern and Contemporary British Art
Explore the best of British art from 1940 to today
Pauline Boty, The Only Blonde in the World 1963. Tate. © The estate of Pauline Boty.
Explore works that changed art as we know it from the Second World War to now. These rooms reflect an explosion of new ideas, styles and voices that transformed British art and society. Look out for paintings, sculptures, installations and photography by modern icons like Barbara Hepworth and Francis Bacon as well as contemporary works by Tracey Emin, Zineb Sedira and many more.
Find out what came before with Historic and Early Modern British Art.
14 rooms in Modern and Contemporary British Art
Fear and Freedom
Fear and Freedom
The Post-War era is one of immense social change and dramatic geopolitical realignment. Artists give visual expression to the experiences of loss, destruction and displacement, yet also to independence and freedom
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F.N. Souza, Crucifixion 1959. Tate. © The estate of F.N. Souza/DACS, London 2025.
Construction
Construction
As Britain begins to rebuild, some artists use new materials in dialogue with modern design and architecture, believing art can help build a new society
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Denis Williams, Painting in Six Related Rhythms 1955. Tate. © Estate of Denis Williams.
Marcel Duchamp and Richard Hamilton
Marcel Duchamp and Richard Hamilton
This room explores the friendship and collaborations of the artists Richard Hamilton and Marcel Duchamp in the years 1956 to 1968
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Marcel Duchamp, The Bride Stripped Bare by her Bachelors, Even (The Large Glass) 1915–23, reconstruction by Richard Hamilton 1965–6, lower panel remade 1985. Tate. © Estate of Richard Hamilton and Succession Marcel Duchamp/ADAGP, Paris and DACS, London 2025.
In Full Colour
In Full Colour
Social changes, popular media and a new spirit of optimism inspire artists to embrace vibrant, colour-saturated imagery
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David Hockney, Man in Shower in Beverly Hills 1964. Tate. © David Hockney.
