Michael Peppiatt – Francis Bacon: a Self-Portrait in Words

A new collection of letters, statements, studio notes and interviews reveals the innermost thoughts of Francis Bacon, one of the 20th century’s most influential artists. Expertly annotated by Michael Peppiatt, the documents selected for Francis Bacon: A Self-Portrait in Words illustrate Bacon’s sharp wit and ability to express complex ideas in highly personal, memorable language. Split into four sections – Statements, Letters, Studio Notes and Selected Interviews – the book includes a large selection of letters to friends, patrons and fellow artists, as well as Bacon’s artist statements, lists of paintings under way, intriguing notes and interviews, many of which have only come to light since his death. Bacon’s letters mirror and reveal his dominant preoccupations at different points throughout his long career, with most of them having never been published before. Recipients range from Lucian Freud to Graham Sutherland, and collectors Robert and Lisa Sainsbury to gangster Ronnie Kray, as well as to many close friends and Peppiatt himself. Together with photographs, archive material and works by the artist are numerous reproductions of Bacon’s characteristic handwriting, from the briefest jottings and notes to more extensive letters and statements. Bacon frequently came up with memorable epithets and definitions. He delighted in doing with words what he set out to do in painting: ‘I like phrases that cut me.’ Michael Peppiatt explores the personal legacy of one of the 20th century’s most important painters, presenting a compelling verbal self-portrait that reveals both man and artist.

Michael Peppiatt is a well-known writer and curator, who began his career as an art critic in London and Paris in the 1960s. Described by The Art Newspaper as ‘the best art writer of his generation’, his previous books include Francis Bacon: Anatomy of an Enigma, Francis Bacon in Your Blood and Francis Bacon: Studies for a Portrait.

Tickets £12.00/£6.00 (students)