La Roy Lichtenstein Foundation donated 34 prints spanning Lichtenstein's working life to the Museum along with seven rare pre-60s drawings and pastels and two pen studies from the 70s.
The donated works
The gift includes prints such as Storming the Castle (c. 1950), Still Life (1968), Water Lily (1993) and examples of his drawings such as Machine (circa 1948) to Knight with Lady (c. 1951). The British Museum was specially selected in recognition of the museum's excellent print collection, accessible study room, high standards of conservation and care, and history of print scholarship. The acquisition significantly enriches the Museum's holdings of works by this important supporter of pop art, which previously included only six works, including two postcards. The gift provides a complete group of prints and drawings spanning Lichtenstein's entire career, from 1948 to 1997, and includes many of his major themes and motifs, including everyday American still lifes, haystacks, water lilies, and brush strokes. Lichtenstein was an innovative artist who developed his signature pop art style in the 60s, characterized by bright colors and the use of folded dots, referencing the comic book images that inspired him
