Collage is the practice of collecting, cutting up and recombining fragments of image and text. From the early twentieth century to the present day, artists have used collage to mix together found material, to create surreal and satirical compositions, and to explore patterns and ruptures in the visual world.
This Show and Tell looks at the kinds of archival materials generated by artists’ collage practices, including their scrapbooks and collections of everyday ephemera.
The display features material from the archives of Nigel Henderson, Eduardo Paolozzi and others, which dramatise the playful and private aspects of collage production. It uses this archival material to present a ‘behind the scenes’ insight into the art of collage.
Selected by Rosie Ram (Royal College of Art) and Victoria Jenkins (Assistant Archive Curator, Tate Britain).
Organised in conjunction with the Tate Britain Spotlight display Vital Fragments: Nigel Henderson and the Art of Collage, open until 5 April 2020.
About the Show and Tell Programme
The Show and Tell programme invites visitors to explore highlights from the Library and Archive collections. Previous highlights have included letters, sketchbooks, artists’ books, catalogues, ephemera, photographs, and other special collections.
Each month’s display is curated to a specific theme or collection and includes a guided talk from the Library and Archive team, as well as occasional guest talks and performances. Show and Tell displays provide a unique viewing and handling experience highlighting art and ideas found in the Library and Archive collections.
