1960s British Art
These pieces of 1960s British art offer a direct window into mid-century painting, drawing and printmaking.
1960s British Art
When you search for 1960s British art, you encounter a selection of paintings, drawings, prints and wall art rooted in mid-century British aesthetic movements. These works capture the visual culture of the decade through varied regional landscapes, figurative studies and abstract compositions.
The objects on this page span oil paintings on canvas, watercolours, gouache, pastels and ink drawings on paper, alongside lithographs and posters. Many items reflect Mid-Century Modernism and Pop Art sensibilities produced by British creators during this period.
Subjects range from coastal views and rural landscapes to animal studies and portraiture. The selection documents the diverse output of artists working across England, Wales and broader British artistic circles during the 1960s.
How they were made
Artists utilised traditional media such as oil paint on canvas and impasto techniques to build textured surfaces, alongside watercolours, gouache, pastel and charcoal on paper. These materials reflect standard studio practices of mid-century British painters.
Printmaking and reproduction methods also feature prominently, including lithographic prints and poster formats. Support materials span stretched canvas, various grades of paper and wood used for frames and clocks.
1960s British Art Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for 1960s british art among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
The selection includes landscape studies from Dorset and the Lake District alongside abstract compositions and equine subjects.
What varies in quality
The strength of a piece rests upon the surety of the draughtsmanship, the handling of pigment, and the clarity of the artist's personal vision. Works executed with confident brushwork or deliberate line carry greater visual authority than routine commercial output.
Condition and presentation also play a role, particularly the preservation of paper works against light damage and the integrity of original or period framing. Paintings retaining their distinct surface texture and stable canvas support represent the stronger examples of the medium.
John Rattenbury Skeaping·Lionel Horsnell·Tony Giles·Elisabeth Frink·Helen Layfield Bradley·Peter Blake·William Ernst Burwell·Donald McIntyre
The 1960s British Art Glossary
- Impasto
- Paint applied thickly to a canvas or panel, standing out in relief from the surface. This technique creates a tangible sense of texture and catches the light across the brushstrokes.
- Gouache
- An opaque water-based medium that dries to a smooth, matte finish. Artists combine it with watercolour or ink to achieve solid areas of flat colour.
- Lithograph
- A print produced by drawing on limestone or a metal plate with a greasy medium. The process allows for precise reproduction of original marks and tonal gradations.
- Mid-Century Modern
- A design and art movement spanning the middle decades of the twentieth century. It prioritises clean lines, simplified forms and a departure from traditional academic ornamentation.
1960s British Art: Frequently Asked Questions
What defines 1960s British art?
These works reflect the artistic output of Britain during the 1960s, encompassing abstract oil paintings, figurative drawings, landscapes and pop art prints.
They demonstrate how creators of the period engaged with modernism, traditional regional subjects and new print techniques.
How do I display a painting on canvas?
Oil paintings on canvas require stable wall space away from direct sunlight and excessive temperature fluctuations. Proper hanging ensures the canvas remains taut on its stretcher frame.
Framing should protect the edges of the canvas while allowing the painted surface to breathe.
How should I care for works on paper?
Watercolours, gouaches and charcoal drawings need framing behind glass with acid-free mount board to prevent paper degradation. Direct sunlight causes fading in pigments and paper alike.
Keeping these works in rooms with stable humidity protects the integrity of the paper support.
Are all listed pieces original?
The selection includes original one-off oil paintings, watercolours, sketches and gouaches alongside signed or inscribed prints and posters. Each listing details the specific medium and format used by the artist.
Checking the material description clarifies whether a piece is a unique hand-painted work or a printed edition.