9.5: British History of Art and Design
From medieval religious icons to the cutting-edge Turner Prize, British art and architecture reflect the shifting tastes and global influence of the UK.
The Evolution of British Art
In the Middle Ages, art was primarily religious. However, the Protestant Reformation led to the loss of much of this work. By the 18th century, British artists began to dominate the fields of portraiture and landscape painting.
Prominent British Artists
Thomas Gainsborough
Famous portrait artist known for painting people in natural country settings.
Joseph Turner
Renowned landscape painter whose modern approach influenced many; the Turner Prize is named after him.
John Constable
Landscape painter famous for his works of Dedham Vale on the Suffolk-Essex border.
Pre-Raphaelites
A brotherhood (including Rossetti and Millais) known for vibrant colours and detailed literary themes.
David Hockney
A major contributor to the 1960s Pop Art movement and one of the most influential living artists.
Notable Art Galleries
- The National Gallery & Tate Britain (London): Houses historic British art.
- Tate Modern (London): Located in the former Bankside Power Station; focuses on contemporary art.
- National Museum (Cardiff) & National Gallery of Scotland (Edinburgh).
Architecture and Garden Design
The UK’s architecture ranges from the Norman White Tower (Tower of London) to the high-tech designs of Sir Norman Foster and Dame Zaha Hadid.
Great British Architects
- Inigo Jones: Introduced classical styles inspired by Rome (e.g., the Queen’s House).
- Sir Christopher Wren: Rebuilt St Paul’s Cathedral after the Great Fire of London.
- Robert Adam: Influenced 18th-century design, including the Royal Crescent in Bath.
- Sir Edwin Lutyens: Designed the Cenotaph in Whitehall and the city of New Delhi.
The Gothic Revival: In the 19th century, many public buildings were built in the Gothic style, including the Houses of Parliament and St Pancras Station.
Garden Design
Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown pioneered the “natural” look of British country house gardens in the 18th century. Later, Gertrude Jekyll became famous for her colourful, vibrant garden designs.
Fashion and Interior Design
The UK is a global leader in design, from the 18th-century furniture of Thomas Chippendale to the 20th-century ceramics of Clarice Cliff.
- Mary Quant: Credited with popularising the miniskirt in the 1960s.
- Vivienne Westwood: Known for her avant-garde designs and influence on punk fashion.
- Alexander McQueen: A world-renowned designer known for his dramatic and innovative shows.