The idea behind this list is a compilation of what I think are instantly recognisable images that are part of the vernacular of popular culture. Through various mediums and outlets they have been adapted and referenced to, they offer an instant base for vilifying, satirising and revering any topic. Importantly these were each intended to be static images so Marilyn Monroe preserving her dignity over a New York vent or any other iconic screen shots belong on a different list. Neither do brands qualify so no golden arches or contour bottles.

6. So we begin with Andy Warhol’s Soup Can and in effect the image that coined the term ‘pop art’, the motivation behind the work being to make art more accessible.

5. So this image captures a lot - the cover of Rolling Stone in its own right is a stalwart of pop culture, and particularly of old to adorn its cover was a sign of having made your mark. High School Musical has recently made the cover so I worry as to the health of what is considered popular these days. Of course a thesis could be written on The Simpson’s history of holding no image sacred and as the first family of television they deserve instant inclusion in any discussion of pop culture.

4. Everyone from Miss Piggy to Monika Lewinsky has been portrayed as the Mona Lisa. The universally recognised painting and the infamy of the nuanced smile has lead to the image appearing endlessly in all forms of media.

3. Bryan Singer during his time directing ‘Superman Returns’ remarked you could walk into a jungle with a cross and the Superman crest and be guaranteed of recognition. Its a fair assessment. I always look at the image now in terms of the negative spaces, one of the comic book writers responsible for the 1980’s overhaul of the comic book series confessed in an interview he was embarassingly old before he realised the crest was a letter ‘S’, he had always viewed it as two fish and draws it as such to this day!

2. The cast of Friends as well as Jimmy Dean in the company of Bogart and Elvis have eaten their lunch atop a New York building site. The source material is of course this shot of men at work on the construction of the Rockefeller Centre in 1932.

1. A list of album covers is one I would not begin to tackle, choosing just one though it was always going to be The Beatles, the selection being Sgt. Pepper or Abbey Road. After sage words of obviousness from Tuathal I went with Abbey Road.