The London International Surrealist Exhibition opened in 1936 at the New Burlington Galleries, presenting a comprehensive showcase of surrealist art from prominent figures in the movement. Curated by artists including André Breton and Paul Éluard, it featured a wide array of artworks that challenged the boundaries of imagination, reality, and artistic expression. Among the exhibiting artists were Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, and René Magritte, who offered distinctive perspectives that embodied the principles of surrealism, an artistic movement focused on the exploration of dreams, the subconscious, and the liberation of thought from rational constraints.

The exhibition was notable for its ambitious layout and variety of works, including paintings, photographs, and sculptures that stirred the viewers' emotions and intellect. It included Dalí's work, characterized by striking and bizarre imagery, exemplifying the dreamlike qualities that surrealism was renowned for. The exhibition not only attracted art enthusiasts but also garnered the attention of critics, fostering debates on the nature of art and reality. Through various promotional and social strategies, the surrealists aimed to engage a broader public, making surrealist art more accessible, thus embedding the movement within the cultural fabric of London.

This exhibition also marked the beginning of a deeper engagement with surrealism in Britain, influencing a generation of artists who would take inspiration from the showcased works. The event solidified the role of surrealism as a significant modern art movement, highlighting the importance of international collaboration among artists and their shared quest for creative expression, free from societal norms and expectations. The imaginative landscapes and thought-provoking themes presented during the exhibition left a lasting impact on the British art scene, encouraging the exploration of unconventional artistic expressions in the years to come.