Walker Art Gallery room guide

Room twelve

The artworks here are from the Walker Art Gallery’s permanent collection. Many were acquired from the John Moores contemporary painting exhibitions, held every two years at the Walker since 1957.

This room covers the period from the late 1940s to the early 1970s. During this time some artists moved away from realistic, figurative work to making abstract and conceptual work. They experimented with innovative ways of expressing ideas and using new materials.

Austere everyday life in 1950s Britain inspired the artists known as the ‘Kitchen Sink school.’ Gradually, the influence of American abstract painting, youth culture, popular music and even advertising had their impact, leading to the rise of quirky styles such as Pop art. These national trends were reflected in, and inspired by, the Liverpool scene. 

Room highlights include:

• 'Hermaphrodite', Allen Jones
• 'Meat Painting II - In Memoriam Rene Magritte', Adrian Henri
• 'Pin Up 1963 - For Francis Bacon', Sam Walsh
• 'Baby in pram in garden', John Bratby

Room displays can change due to loans, conservation work and display renewal. If you intend to visit the Walker Art Gallery to see a particular artwork, please telephone 0151 478 4199 beforehand to check the artwork is on display.

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