The magazine launched in February 1962 under the editorship of Mark Boxer and pioneered the use of colour for both editorial and advertising content in the supplement format.

Over the years, it has featured award winning photography from the likes of Don MCCullin, David Bailey and Lord Snowdon, and the work of leading writers such as Ian Fleming, Zoe Heller and VS Naipaul.

A special exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery, London, has been opened to showcase half a century of cutting edge photojournalism, including McCullin’s images of Vietnam, while a commemorative edition of the magazine will be published in the 5 February edition of The Sunday Times.

Sarah Baxter, current editor of The Sunday Times Magazine, said: "We're still here and producing the most exciting journalism and photography in the business. I am proud to be continuing a glorious tradition."

The exhibition at the Saatchi gallery has been extended until 18 March and is free to visit.