WHAT? Wayne Thiebaud: American Still Life
WHERE? The Courtauld Gallery, Somerset House, London WC2R 0RN
WHEN? Now until 18th January 2026
WHY GO? For a sweet treat. Andy Warhol had his tomato soup cans and Wayne Thiebaud had his cakes, lots of them, piled high on platters to tempt and tantalise.
The Sixties were famous for pop art vibes and within that oeuvre Thiebaud made his mark, originally as an illustrator / art director, then full-time artist recording everyday American staples like hot dogs, and pinball machines seemingly frozen in time.
Think of a quintessential American item from that era and it's likely Thiebaud would have given it his unique commercial touch. Consumer culture is seductive and this niche nostalgic exhibition is certain to tempt visitors to coffee and cake after browsing over picture upon picture of all-American treats.
It’s a slice of US post-war culture, unique to their lifestyle. While we Brits were toasting crumpets with tea, they were brewing coffee and chewing gum.
Alongside the sugary sweet overload, there’s the occasional solitary melancholic touch to Thiebaud’s compositions.
Take ‘Cup of Coffee’ (1961), illustrating the original US military mug which was later replicated in diners all over; his image is stark and devoid of humanity, perhaps referencing his time as a graphic artist in military service.
His fascination, however, with colourful gumball machines and ice-cream cones that ‘play with reality’, are more than enough to make this the exhibition treat for the whole family to enjoy.
IN THE KNOW Complementing the main exhibition, Wayne Thiebaud Delights, celebrates his 1965 portfolio of 17 detailed etchings. This illustrates Thiebaud’s skill as a graphic artist before moving towards abstract still-life. Swing by the gift shop for candy treats to take home.