Art prints have long been a way for people to bring beauty, culture, and expression into their homes without the price tag of an original. In the UK, certain prints have defined decades—becoming iconic in homes, galleries, and even student halls. From romantic landscapes to gritty photography, the nation's tastes have evolved with its culture. Here’s a look at the most popular prints that captured the British imagination over the decades.
1950s: Pastoral Nostalgia & Post-War Calm
Popular Prints:
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Constable’s “The Hay Wain”
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Turner’s “The Fighting Temeraire”
In the aftermath of World War II, many households leaned into nostalgia and serenity. Prints of idyllic English countrysides and Romantic seascapes dominated the walls of British homes, offering a sense of stability and heritage.
1960s: Pop Art & Rebellion
Popular Prints:
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Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Monroe series
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Peter Blake’s “Babe Rainbow”
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Psychedelic concert posters
The cultural revolution of the ’60s brought bold colours, graphic design, and a fascination with celebrity. Pop Art exploded into British consciousness, especially among the younger crowd, mirroring the swinging spirit of London.
1970s: Bohemia & the Exotic
Popular Prints:
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Aubrey Beardsley’s Art Nouveau drawings
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Indian mandalas and psychedelic posters
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Vintage travel posters
The ’70s were eclectic and spiritual. Many homes featured Eastern-inspired art, intricate patterns, and illustrations from the Art Nouveau revival. Posters became a huge market, from album art to surreal collages.
1980s: Bold Statements & Mass Appeal
Popular Prints:
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Patrick Nagel’s graphic women
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Athena’s “L’Enfant” (the man and baby poster)
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Monet’s water lilies
The 1980s were big on commercial prints. Nothing was more emblematic than Athena’s high-street stores, where posters like “L’Enfant” became overnight sensations. Impressionist reproductions were also a staple in middle-class homes.
1990s: Minimalism & Teenage Walls
Popular Prints:
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M. C. Escher’s optical illusions
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Abstract black-and-white photography
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Britpop posters and film stills
The ‘90s saw a shift towards cleaner aesthetics in interior design. Abstracts and monochromes were popular in adult spaces, while bedrooms were often plastered with band posters, movie icons, and magazine tear-outs—think Trainspotting, Blur, and Pulp Fiction.
2000s: Inspirational Quotes & Ikea Chic
Popular Prints:
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Typography-based “Live Laugh Love” prints
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Canvas art of London skylines or poppy fields
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Banksy street art reproductions
With the rise of affordable homeware stores like IKEA and online print retailers, art became more about matching decor than making a statement. Meanwhile, Banksy brought a wave of rebellion back to the walls of younger Brits.
2010s: Instagram-Ready Aesthetics
Popular Prints:
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Abstract line art and minimalist faces
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Botanical prints and tropical leaves
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Typography in Scandi fonts
Clean, curated, and camera-ready—prints of the 2010s were driven by Instagram and Pinterest trends. Millennial pink, monstera leaves, and “Hygge” vibes dominated walls, especially in rental flats and newly renovated homes.
2020s: Personalisation, Purpose & Vintage Revival
Popular Prints:
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Custom map or date prints
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Vintage book covers and art exhibition posters
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Bold typography with motivational quotes
Today’s UK print buyers are seeking art with a personal touch or a story. Whether it's a framed quote that inspires their entrepreneurial journey or a vintage exhibition poster sourced from a local market, the trend is about individuality and meaning—often with a nostalgic twist.
