RICHARD HAMILTON "TOASTER" LITHOGRAPH, 1967

Richard Hamilton (1922-2011) is widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of Pop Art.

Inspired by common domestic or industrial objects and the visual language of mass production, Hamilton's work explored the relationship between fine art, consumer culture, and modern design.

This evocative print is inspired by the Braun toaster, designed by Dieter Rams – who Hamilton held in high regard. For Hamilton, the Braun toaster embodied a modern ideal: clarity, function, restraint, and a refined technological elegance. 

"Toaster" was the first print in which Hamilton combined multiple printing processes on a single work. The grey and black background is offset printed, while the toaster’s casing, its cast shadow, and the artist’s name—replacing the Braun logo—are screenprinted. A strip of metallic polyester is overlaid, simulating the object's reflective nature.

The artwork’s title appears above five paragraphs set in Braun’s signature typeface. Hamilton adapts text from the company's brochures to describe his print rather than the object represented therein. In this work, Hamilton reminds potential "consumers" that the product being advertised is his print–not the toaster. It is worth considering how other artists during the 1960's (including Andy Warhol, Vija Celmins and Iain Baxter) created works depicting household objects. 

The toaster–especially this specific model–is a recurring motif in Hamilton's oeuvre. This print exemplifies Hamilton’s enduring exploration of how design, technology, and popular culture intersect within the realm of art. This work is a true paradigm of (British) Pop Art. 

This print is held in the permanent collections of the MET, New York; the Tate, London; 

Questions about this piece? Contact us, call +1.416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto Gallery.

"Toaster"

UK, 1967

Offset lithograph in four colors, screenprinted from four stencils, with collaged metalized polyester on T H Saunders paper

Signed and numbered in pencil, lower right

Edition: 43/75 (+7 APs)

Published by the artist, with full margins

Printed by Kelpra Studio, London

35"H 25"W (work)

40"H 29.5"W (framed)

Very good condition.

Catalogue Raisonné: Lulin 63 (p. 79)