This Is Tomorrow was hosted at London’s Whitechapel Art Gallery in 1956.
The exhibition opened on 9 August 1956 and ran until 9 September. It brought together 12 teams of artists, architects, designers, writers and photographers, many connected with the Independent Group at the Institute of Contemporary Arts.
Rather than presenting unrelated objects, the show explored how modern people experienced environments, media and everyday life. Its collaborative installations and interest in popular culture helped make it a landmark in post-war British art and an important precursor to British Pop Art.
A common mix-up is confusing the exhibition’s opening year with the date of its planning. Preparations began well before 1956, and the catalogue became notable in its own right. Richard Hamilton’s collage Just what is it that makes today’s homes so different, so appealing? was created for the exhibition catalogue and is now regarded as an early Pop Art icon.