Seven Exhibitions

The Tate’s Seven Exhibitions (February 24–March 23, 1972) was a seminal event which marked the arrival of conceptual art in Britain. The seven overlapping exhibitions were organized by Michael Compton, and included works by Keith Arnatt, Michael Craig-Martin, Hamish Fulton, Bob Law, Bruce McLean, David Tremlett, and Joseph Beuys. The exhibition included photographs, films, tape recordings, and a public lecture by Beuys on direct democracy, which also marked the first time the Tate displayed mixed media. Sticking to the experimental theme and working on a tight publication deadline, the museum created a unique exhibition catalog comprised of a stiff folder holding an “introductory note,” three 4 ¼” x  8 ¼” cards, and four 20” x 30” posters, with each card and poster designed by an artist in the show.