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A free exhibition celebrating sculptor and printmaker Sir Eduardo Paolozzi opens in the College's West Court gallery. 

Paolozzi was a major figure in post-war British art and is widely considered a pioneer of the Pop Art movement.

Born in Leith, Edinburgh in 1924, he grew up in the ice cream parlour owned by his Italian immigrant parents. By the end of his life, he had become one of Britain's best-known artists, with large-scale public commissions across the UK.

Paolozzi was closely connected to ��������. He exhibited at the College’s sculpture exhibitions, contributed to the Quincentennial Portfolio print fundraiser, and was elected to an Honorary Fellowship in 1994. Today there are more than 30 works by Paolozzi in the College art collections, including many that were generously donated by the artist.

The focus of the exhibition is Calcium Light Night (1974–76), a suite of nine screenprints previously displayed in the College Library, and inspired by works by the American modernist composer Charles Ives. Also featured are prints from the Z.E.E.P. series, conceived when Paolozzi was visiting professor at the University of California, Berkeley in the late 1960s. These vibrant, graphic works exemplify the style that established Paolozzi as a founding figure of Pop Art.

Also on display are works from the 1990s, including the four prints that comprise the Algebra series, a selection of lithographs created by Paolozzi in 1997, and a self-portrait in bronze. These are presented alongside documents and publications from the College archives that highlight the close association between the College and this dynamic and pioneering artist.

Laura Dennis, Assistant Curator at �������� said: “Eduardo Paolozzi was a dynamic, influential artist with whom �������� is proudly associated.

“This exhibition gives an introduction to his work and celebrates his contributions to ��������’s renowned artistic programme, by providing an opportunity to see more than 20 prints by Paolozzi held in the College art collection, displayed together for the first time.

“Vivid and intricate, the prints showcase Paolozzi’s wide-ranging artistic interests, including the Pop Art style for which he became well-known.”

Adrian Barr-Smith, Trustee and Secretary of the Paolozzi Foundation said: “Paolozzi was born 100 years ago. The Foundation is delighted that �������� has been able to mark the centenary by this eye-catching exhibition.”

Eduardo Paolozzi at �������� is open daily at the West Court Gallery from Saturday 12 October until Sunday 23 March 2025. Admission is free.

The exhibition is organised by curators Laura Dennis and Jonathan Tenney on behalf of the Works of Art Committee, with thanks to alumni and other supporters of the art exhibitions programme at ��������, and to the Paolozzi Foundation.