the tate gallery

Special Retro Museum Ad Series: The Tate Gallery, 1971

The Tate Gallery proves that, sometimes, there’s no better way to advertise an artist’s exhibit than the work itself. Especially when that artist is pop art icon Andy Warhol.

From commercial artist to the “Pope” of pop art.

After taking a job in the ’50s with Glamour magazine, Warhol developed his unmistakable whimsical style as a commercial artist. Then the ’60s brought the concept of “pop art,” along with his paintings of Campbell soup cans. Warhol famously painted other objects including Coca-cola bottles, vacuum cleaners, and hamburgers. His celebrity portraits were done in vivid color, with subjects including Elizabeth Taylor, Mick Jagger, Mao Zedong, and the most iconic, featured on this gallery ad in 1971: Marilyn Monroe.

The piece was so popular, it was possible for The Tate Gallery to advertise with one simple word: “Warhol.” And it’s just as widely-recognizable to this very day.

FUN FACT: Tate Modern is considered the “crown jewel” of art galleries in London. It is one of the top 10 most-visited galleries in the world. The Tate holds modern art from 1900 to the present day and displays by theme, not chronologically (SOURCE: Guide London).

 

Leave a Comment