The 1950s and 1960s are commonly viewed as decades of experimentation and innovation. Emerging from the Second World War and the social and economic upheaval it had caused, British people welcomed the 1950s as a clean slate, believing it would be an era of new ideas and prosperity.
During this period, Scarborough Museums Director, Mervyn Edwards, encouraged the purchasing of artworks from contemporary art exhibitions and commercial galleries, many of which are featured in this display.
Alongside works by male artists, three women artists are represented: Elizabeth Blackadder, Caroline Hill and Stella Steyn.