How productive has the entry of gallery art into the sphere of British popular culture been? Have the works of present day artists such as Gilbert & George, Tracey Emin, or Damien Hirst proven to be of lasting value?
This final lecture begins by evoking once again the figure of Peter Blake. His work on the cover for the Beatles’ 1967 album, ‘Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ vividly encapsulated a new social and cultural phenomenon: it was no longer incongruous to think or speak of ‘high art’, as distinct from popular culture. Meanwhile a new, ultra-cool post-modernist aesthetic began to find expression in British Art: the intellectually radical, yet materially minimal Conceptualist style. This, ongoing, intermingling of hitherto distinct cultural categories will comprise the theme of this last session.
This lecture is part of the 'Art in Britain: 1940 to the Present' lecture series, taking place on Tuesdays from 27 January to 3 March 2026. You can choose to register for individual lectures or may choose to register for the entire lecture series at a reduced price.
Please note: this lecture will close to enrolments at 23:59 GMT on 26 February.