Richard Hamilton, Adonis in Y fronts 1963. Tate. © The estate of Richard Hamilton.
This display brings together paintings and prints Hamilton made between the 1950s and the 1970s, when modern consumer culture emerged in Britain
‘I would like to think of my purpose as a search for what is epic in everyday objects and everyday attitudes.’
Richard Hamilton was relentlessly curious about what it means to live in a world saturated by mass-produced objects and images. He was suspicious of the divide between traditional ‘high’ art and the seductive visual culture of everyday life: the cinema, television, advertising, glossy magazines. In 1957, the artist proposed the first definition of Pop Art: ‘Popular (designed for a mass audience), Transient (short-term solution), Expendable (easily forgotten), Low cost, Mass produced, Young (aimed at youth), Witty, Sexy, Gimmicky, Glamorous, Big Business.’
Taking popular culture as his subject matter – especially that imported from the USA – Hamilton described his approach as shaped by a ‘peculiar mixture of reverence and cynicism.’ Under his critical gaze, codes of sexuality and gender are deconstructed, and the increasingly commercialised relationship between the human body and its environment comes into focus.
Hamilton’s creative process was complex and experimental. Starting with images borrowed from mass media, he typically combined multiple techniques in ways that tested their ability to represent reality. Often unfolding in series, the works here repeat, distort and decontextualise found images, asking us to question what we see.
Chris Steele-Perkins, Cricket Match, Hampshire 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Hypnosis Demonstration, Cambridge University Ball 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Blackpool Beach 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Territorial Army Practice Repelling a Soviet Invasion 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Photo-opportunity During Territorial Army Exercise 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Cambridge University Spring Ball 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Boarding Houses, Blackpool 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Alternative Cabaret Group, Birmingham 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Golden Mile, Blackpool 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, British Movement Demonstration, London 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Circus Acrobats at Crystal Palace 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Juliana’s Summer Party, London 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Tableau of Emmerdale Farm, Blackpool 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Prince Edward at Berkeley Square Ball 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Crufts Dog Show 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Anti-nuclear Missile Demonstration at Greenham Common 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Ballroom Dancing, Blackpool 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Anti-apartheid Street Theater, London 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Wedding Reception for Thalidomide Victim 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Circus Clown Drops his Trousers 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Admirers at Conservative Party Conference 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Alternative Cabaret Act in Disco, Dartford 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Drag Ball, London 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Self-defence Class, Brick Lane 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Police Photo Opportunity. Controlling Violent Man in Small Room 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, ‘Vogueing’ at a Gay-night in The Fringe, London 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Chris Steele-Perkins, Circus Elephant, Crystal Palace 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Richard Hamilton
Art in this room
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Chris Steele-Perkins
Night Club, London
c.1990, printed 2007
Chris Steele-Perkins
Cricket Match, Hampshire
1980–9
Chris Steele-Perkins
Hypnosis Demonstration, Cambridge University Ball
1980–9
Chris Steele-Perkins
Blackpool Beach
1980–9
Chris Steele-Perkins
Territorial Army Practice Repelling a Soviet Invasion
1980–9
Chris Steele-Perkins
Photo-opportunity During Territorial Army Exercise
1980–9
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