The U.K is home to some of the greatest creatives in the world. Both classical and modern artist have reflected the diversity of the country, and created some of the most beautiful artworks, transforming and driving forward the world of art over the decades. With over 250 registered art institutions in Greater London, the city houses many of the finest pieces of art in the world.
In this blog we’re looking at some of the greatest British artists, and where you can see their work in the capital city!
Banksy
Arguably the most talked about artist of the 21st century, Banksy is an anonymous graffiti artist from the U.K. His works contain political themes, and appear in cities and towns across the U.K often over night. Banksy’s work combines satire and dark humour, using his iconic stencil graffiti style. His art has appeared on streets, walls and bridges all over the world and has changed the cultural perception of graffiti as an art form. In early 2021, the most expensive Banksy artwork ever was sold for $20 million! All of the proceeds from the painting which celebrated the U.K’s National Health Service, were used to support the NHS and relevant health charities. The artists true identity remains a mystery, and perhaps it always will, but his work has already created an immortal legacy.
This summer, a private collection of Banksy’s work is being put on display in Covent Garden (only 5 minutes walk from IH London).
Check out the moment Banksy shredded his own painting when it was sold for $1.4 million!
David Hockney
Considered to be one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, David Hockney was a large influence in the 1960’s pop art movement. His graphic work containing bright colours and simple shapes has influenced many artists for decades. One of his most famous pieces: Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) was painted in 1972, depicting a swimmer who is being watched by another person. In 2018 the painting was sold at auction for $90 million, making it the most expensive artwork by a living artist ever sold at auction at the time.
But this painting is only one of is many celebrated pieces, his most famous being ‘A Bigger Splash’. Hockney’s work has been featured in over 400 solo exhibitions and over 500 group exhibitions.
During the Coronavirus pandemic, David Hockney worked on his iPad to create 116 new digital paintings. This summer they are on exhibition in central London at the Royal Academy.
In this fantastic video you can learn more about Hockney’s art, and his biggest inspiration – Vincent Van Gogh.
J M W Turner
Turner is famous for his beautiful landscapes and violent and dramatic marine paintings – including The Fighting Temeraire. Born in Covent Garden in 1775, he was a child prodigy, studying at the Royal Academy of Arts when he was 14. He was famously eccentric and reclusive during his life, having two daughters with his housekeeper, and rowing a boat into the river Thames so that he would not be counted as present at any house during the 1841 census. He is now buried in Saint Paul’s Cathedral, alongside some of London’s most prestigious historical figures – including Admiral Lord Nelson and Sir Christopher Wren. His work is imaginative, dramatic and Romantic in style. Named as the ‘father of modern art’, his legacy lead to the creation of the Turner Prize, one of the greatest honours a British artist can receive.
You can view his work in the Tate Gallery in London, where many of his masterpieces are housed.
Damien Hirst
During the 1990’s, Damien Hirst dominated the art scene in the UK. He is currently the UK’s richest living artist, with a wealth estimated at $384 million. His most famous works feature dead animals (including a shark, a sheep and a cow) preserved or dissected in formaldehyde. Over the years his work has been the center of plenty of controversy for the bold topics he covers, as well as the places he finds inspiration. However his success, notoriety and popularity are undeniable. He has been compared to Andy Warhol, and listed as one of the ’10 Most Important Artists of Today’.
In London you can view Hirst’s work in the Brittania Street Gallery.
L.S Lowry
Lowry famously drew and painted his surroundings in northern England during the mid 20th century. Centred around Lancashire and Salford, his work depicts scenes of life in the industrial districts of the area. His paintings reflect the bleak, mysterious and urban landscapes of his hometown at the time, displaying his feelings about the town. Lowry famously said: “You don’t need brains to be a painter, just feelings.”. His work was painted in a very distinct and pared back style, using only 5 paint colours in all of his work. The figures in his paintings have been referred to as ‘Matchstick Men’ – inspiring the 1978 number one single ‘Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs’. The song was released as a tribute to Lowry and celebration a celebration of the importance of his work two years after his death. Through the lyrics you can begin to understand how important his work was, particularly to people from the area.
He also holds the record for the most British Honours rejected, as he turned down 5 opportunities to be recognised by the Royal Family, including the offer to receive a knighthood!
His work is available to see in London in the Tate Britain.
Uzo Egonu
Nigerian-born Egonu settled in Britain in the 1940s. He combined art from Western and African influences to create his own unique style. He has been described as ‘perhaps Africa’s greatest modern painter’. He created landscapes and cityscapes which were uniquely modern. Egonu is respected as an artist who redefined modern art, and blurred cultures together. His famous painting ‘Woman in Grief’ which shows a modern take on feelings of despair, is available for public viewing in the Tate Gallery.
Tracey Emin
Tracey Emin has produced artwork of many forms, including drawings, paintings, sculptures and films. Her most famous pieces include ‘Everyone I Have Ever Slept With 1963 – 1995’ and ‘My Bed’. Her unmade and unclean bed, taken straight from her home, was first exhibited in 1999, for which she was shortlisted for the Turner Prize. Her work has been collected by celebrities such as Elton John and George Michael. Many of her pieces have been displayed recently in London’s Royal Academy, as well as the Tate Gallery.
William Morris
British Textile designer William Morris was a major contributor to the revival of traditional British Textile Arts. Inspired by work from the Medieval times, his beautiful work quickly allowed him to become one of the most significant cultural figures of Victorian Britain. During his life he was known for his poetry, however he also created over 600 designs for wallpaper, textiles and embroideries.
It was these creative yet classic designs which have stood the test of time, and still influence British culture, art and style today. Fascinated by the natural world, he studied nature to gain inspiration for his prints, which include birds, fruits and plants.
These prints can still be found throughout Britain, decorating walls, rugs, curtains and more. He famously once said: “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”. Much of his work can now be found throughout the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
If you’re interested in exploring the beautiful artwork of London, as well as everything else the city has to offer, why not join us for one of our upcoming English courses in the heart of the city. Visit our website to learn more.