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DON'T MISS

Exhibition PAST EVENT

Lee Miller

Tate Britain
2 Oct 2025 – 15 Feb 2026
Exhibition PAST EVENT

Theatre Picasso

Tate Modern
17 Sep 2025 – 12 Apr 2026
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This is a past display. Go to current displays
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.

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Tate Britain
Main Floor

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Ongoing

Free

4 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.

Prunella Clough: Urbscapes

Prunella Clough: Urbscapes

‘Anything that the eye or the mind’s eye sees with intensity and excitement will do for a start; a gasometer is as good as a garden, probably better’ – Prunella Clough, 1949

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Prunella Clough, Wire and Demolition 1982. Tate. © The estate of Prunella Clough.

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.

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