Celebrating Eduardo Paolozzi - The Godfather of Pop Art

2017 is certainly the year of Eduardo Paolozzi. A Scottish born artist of Italian descent, his career was prolific to say the least. Representing Britain at the Venice Biennale in 1960, he went on to produce numerous acclaimed artworks, such as the murals at Tottenham Court Road Underground Station and his iconic 'London to Paris' sculpture at The Cass Sculpture Foundatin in West Sussex (pictured above). Acknowledged as The Godfather of Pop Art, Paolozzi’s work was based on his interest in the mass media and new developments in science and technology in the post-war era. This year we observe a nation reflecting on Paolozzi’s remarkable achievements. Here are some of the highlights!

‘London to Paris’ Sculpture at The Cass Sculpture Foundation (pictured above) 

The Cass Sculpture Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation set up by the family of our CEO and Founder, Mark Cass, in 1992 with the aim of inspiring and enabling creativity in contemporary sculpture. The Foundation, situated in West Sussex, is home to over 40 iconic artworks created by some of the most important figures in contemporary art. It goes without saying that Eduardo Paolozzi holds a central position in the landscape of British Art, which is why his iconic concrete sculpture, London to Paris, is one of the Cass Sculpture Foundation’s most prized pieces.

Eduardo Paolozzi at The Whitechapel Gallery: 16th February – 14th May

The Whitechapel Gallery have curated a major Eduardo Paolozzi retrospective, featuring over 250 works, spanning five decades. From his Post-War bronzes and Brutalist concrete sculptures to his revolutionary screen-prints and textile designs, this exhibition gives an unparelled insight into the mind of one of the inventors of Pop Art.

The Big White Wall Project at Central Saint Martins 

The Big White Wall Project, now in its third year, gives Central Saint Martins students and staff the opportunity to work on an unprecedented scale, by covering a 7m x 30m wall in the heart of the campus. This year’s artwork, a spectacular array of mono prints created from dismantled mobile phones, computers and stereos, takes inspiration from Eduardo Paolozzi’s engagement with communication technology. This is the first year that the Big White Wall is open to the public, who can book tickets to see the Big White Wall and attend the workshop on the 18th of March. Visit our Event Page to reserve a place.

Central Saint Martins Window Galleries Exhibition: In Collaboration - Eduardo Paolozzi at the Central School 1949 - 1955: 3rd February - 16th March

In addition to Paolozzi’s prolific career as an artist, he is also known for his teaching roles in a breadth of notable institutions. These included the Central Saint Martins Textile and Print Department, where Paolozzi spent time as a tutor between 1949 and 1955, alongside acclaimed artists Richard Hamilton and William Turnbull. This exhibition in CSM’s Window Galleries displays a range of the artist’s prints produced during this influential period of his life.

Eduardo Paolozzi’s mosaic at Tottenham Court Road Station 

Created in 1986, these mosaics in Tottenham Court Road Station are widely considered to be one of the most spectacular examples of post-war public art. The vibrant designs, that cover 950 square metres in total, contain references to London's entertainment culture and rushing commuters, reflecting their location in a major station in one of the busiest cities in the world. Over recent years, the art work has had to be relocated to a different part of the station, because of the addition of the Elizabeth line in 2018.

Feeling Inspired?

Read our Interview with CSM Big White Wall Winners 2017

Find out more about the Cass Sculpture Foundation

Image credits (from top to bottom): 

1. Eduardo Paolozzi, London to Paris, 2000, Cass Sculpture Collection.

2. Eduardo Paolozzi, Wittgenstein in New York (from the series As is When), 1965, Courtesy Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art: GMA 4366 K © Trustees of the Paolozzi Foundation, licensed by DACS

3. BA Textile Design and MA Culture, Criticism and Curation Staff and Students at Central Saint Martins, Cross Hatching, 2017, The Big White Wall at Central Saint Martins

4. Eduardo Paolozzi, extract from Tottenham Court Road Underground Mosaic, 1986