Freud and Bacon's graphic works to be exhibited at Marlborough London

Marlborough Graphics is set to open an exhibition featuring prints by leading figurative artists and friends Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon.

Opening on 18 January at Marlborough Fine Art, 6 Albemarle Street, London, the exhibition addresses the very different approaches of the two men to printmaking. Bacon’s prints are based on a selection of 35 paintings made by the artist from 1955 – 1991. As Marlborough’s director Frankie Rossi explains: “Bacon wanted his prints to look as close to his paintings as possible – his attention to detail and desire for perfection are evident in these works. Prints were produced under his supervision and he personally made changes to proofs when necessary, always ensuring the right colour balance was achieved.”

While Freud’s first etching was made in Paris in 1946, the artist’s most significant graphic output was during the 90s. With the exception of two, all of Freud’s etchings were made without colour, with notably simple backgrounds. Marlborough Graphics boasts one of the largest collections of Freud etchings globally.