London Calling

This exhibition catalog  explores the development of postwar British art through the lens of the School of London, a group of artists who redefined figurative painting in the second half of the 20th century. Positioned at the intersection of postwar art and contemporary art, the catalog offers a nuanced perspective on how painting remained a vital and expressive medium in an era dominated by abstraction.

Featuring major works by Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, David Hockney, and Paula Rego, the book examines how these artists approached the human figure with intensity, psychological depth, and often unsettling realism. Their work reflects broader shifts within 20th-century art, addressing themes of identity, isolation, and the body in a rapidly changing social landscape.

While international movements gravitated toward conceptual and abstract practices, British artists associated with the School of London pursued a distinctly independent path. This publication highlights their commitment to figuration as a means of confronting modern experience, reinforcing London’s position as a major center of postwar artistic innovation.

Through scholarly essays and carefully selected artworks, the catalog situates these painters within both postwar art and the broader context of contemporary art, making it a valuable reference for collectors, scholars, and anyone interested in the evolution of 20th-century British painting.