Just what is it that makestoday's homes so different, so appealing?

"Just what is it that makes today's homes so different, so appealing?" is a renowned collage by English artist Richard Hamilton. This vibrant piece, measuring 10.25 inches by 9.75 inches, is part of the Kunsthalle Tübingen collection in Germany. It is often celebrated as the first iconic work of pop art.

Hamilton created this collage in 1956 for the "This Is Tomorrow" exhibition in London. He collaborated with John McHale and John Voelcker to design a room that played a significant role in the show. Hamilton later revisited the theme and style of this collage in other works, including a 1992 version featuring female bodybuilder Bernie Price.

However, the collage's authorship has sparked some debate. In 2006, John McHale Jr., son of John McHale, claimed his father was the true creator, providing the original design and materials. Richard Hamilton denied this, asserting that while McHale contributed a rough layout for the exhibition catalogue, Hamilton himself was the actual creator.

This influential artwork has also made its mark in popular culture. The Dutch pop band Shine used the collage image on the back of their EPs in 1995. Similarly, the Serbian new wave band VIS Idoli featured it on a box set cover released in 2007.