Afterall's Exhibition Histories Series Revisits 'an Exhibit' 1957

Afterall Books has released 'Exhibition, Design, Participation: ‘an Exhibit’ 1957 and Related Projects', the newest entry in its Exhibition Histories series. This publication revisits 'an Exhibit', a groundbreaking exhibition from 1957 that featured a collaboration among artists Richard Hamilton and Victor Pasmore, along with critic Lawrence Alloway. The event took place at the Hatton Gallery in Newcastle upon Tyne (3–18 June 1957) and at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London (13–24 August 1957), exploring abstract environmental forms and engaging viewers in a participatory experience. The book contains a primary essay by Elena Crippa, an introduction by Lucy Steeds, archival writings from the three creators, a contemporary review by David Sylvester, and new pieces by Martin Beck and Owen Hatherley. It also highlights related projects like 'This is Tomorrow' (1956), 'Exhibit 2' (1959), 'Place' (1959), and the Apollo Pavilion in Peterlee (1954–69). Published in collaboration with the Center for Curatorial Studies, Bard College, and distributed by Koenig Books and ARTBOOK | D.A.P, this volume explores the exhibition's impact on modern art, urban design, and social housing.