10 Oct 2025 – 18 Jan 2026
Gilbert and Ildiko Butler Drawings Gallery, Floor 1
In 1964, Wayne Thiebaud created a portfolio of 17 prints, entitled Delights, in which he returned to the favoured still-life motifs found in his paintings and which made his name in the early 1960s: ice cream cones, rows of cakes, gumball machines and many of the other objects of everyday American life. However, these subjects look very different rendered in print, on a small scale and in black and white. As Thiebaud told his publisher, ‘When you change something, you change everything.’ Thiebaud was keen to experiment with different techniques and media, and Delights was his first foray into printmaking, a technique he returned to throughout his long career.
Presented in the Gilbert and Ildiko Butler Drawings Gallery, the display of these 17 wonderful prints complements The Griffin Catalyst Exhibition: Wayne Thiebaud. American Still Life. It features related works on paper by Thiebaud as well as hand-coloured etchings, to appreciate fully his range as an artist.
This display is curated by Dr Karen Serres, Senior Curator of Paintings, and Dr Barnaby Wright, Deputy Head of The Courtauld Gallery and Daniel Katz Curator of 20th-century Art.
The programme of displays in the Drawings Gallery is generously supported by the International Music and Art Foundation, with additional support from James Bartos.
This display is included in the Permanent Collection or Permanent Collection + Exhibition ticket.
The Griffin Catalyst Exhibition: Wayne Thiebaud. American Still Life is on display in the Denise Coates Exhibitions Gallery, Floor 3 from 10 Oct 2025 – 18 Jan 2026
Highlights
Browse the shop range
Inspired by Wayne Thiebaud’s iconic paintings of cakes, gumball machines, and everyday delights, this curated range captures the playful elegance and joyful precision of one of America’s most beloved artists.
From beautifully illustrated recipe books and vibrant art publications, to stationery bursting with colour and creativity, every item reflects Thiebaud’s unique artistic vision.
Available online or in The Courtauld Shop.
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