Institute of Contemporary Arts: 1946-1968

A monograph covering the foundation and first twenty years of the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) London using an exhibition histories approach. It is the first book devoted to the early years of the ICA by art historian Anne Massey with a foreward by ICA Executive Director Gregor Muir.

From 40 Years of Modern Art through to Cybernetic Serendipity, the ICA provided a crucial space for experimentation and for the development of key artists’ careers, including Richard Hamilton and Eduardo Paolozzi.

The book is divided into three sections, which situate its three locations: the pop-up space of the Academy Cinema basement; the curious, upstairs rooms at Dover Street, and the Regency splendor of the Mall. The supporting text explains the vision behind the exhibitions, the supporting events, critical reception and impact.

Each section provides an overview of key ICA personalities and events, interspersed with a more detailed analysis of 24 key exhibitions. From Picasso and Parallel of Life and Art to Francis Bacon and The Popular Image, this book combines a wealth of research, archive material and images, many of which are published here for the first time.

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