Emerging from the post-war period, printmaking underwent a marked elevation in status and transition from specialist medium to one widely adopted by some of the foremost names in contemporary art. This book charts how Britain emerged from the post-war years and thrived in the early 1960s, navigated the social changes of the 1970s and 1980s, and saw the ascendency of contemporary British art from the 1990s to the present day. From wood engravings and etchings to lithographs and screenprints, the versatility of the printmaking medium has enabled artists to expand their practice to explore new possibilities. The works featured in the book are all drawn from Pallant House Gallery’s extensive collection of over 2,500 prints. More than 100 artists are represented, including Edward Bawden, Enid Marx, Peter Blake, Richard Hamilton, Barbara Hepworth, Lubaina Himid, David Hockney, Lucian Freud, Paula Rego, Grayson Perry, Tracey Emin, Chris Ofili, and many more.

Simon Martin is director of Pallant House Gallery. Louise Weller is head of exhibitions at Pallant House Gallery.