Historically, the use of everyday objects in art was limited to depictions of still life. With the advent of Pop Art however, artists placed household objects and interiors at the centre of their enquiry. The depiction of objects usually considered mundane, banal and everyday has since become a way for contemporary artists to explore modern forms, materials and the phenomenon of modern life.

Included in our collection is Richard Hamilton’s famous collage Just what is it that makes today’s homes so different, so appealing?, 1956, and Andy Warhol’s iconic representations of soup cans, telephones and dollar bills. Examples of more contemporary uses include Roger Hiorns’ sculptural works featuring benches, engines and fridges.

Image: Echo chamber, 2019 © Richard Wentworth. All Rights Reserved, DACS/Artimage. Image courtesy NoguerasBlanchard, Barcelona/Madrid. Photo: Roberto Ruiz.