Artist Francis Bacon , South Bank Show 1985

[Deschanel]

For anyone who might be interested (not everyone, I know). I really like Francis Bacon's paintings, and he had an amazing, disorderly life of art (and sex with rough trade) quite worthy of a PSB song. Get to it, Boys. He was probably the last great British artist, on an international scale, of the 20th century . This month Sotheby's in NYC is selling a triptych of his that they hope will fetch $70 million.

(Part 1 on YouTube: http://youtube.com/watch?v=QhaqwlZxJZI
Ought to be other parts following; the full broadcast is linked below.)

This South Bank Show is fascinating because it mostly shows his louche, lush life as it is- like his horrible wreck of a studio. He pretty much gets drunk with (I think ) Melvyn Bragg as he expounds his philosophy and aesthetics. Takes him to his private club for more drinks, a tragic dive where he's king, trading barbs with sorry old queens.
But the show is very good at showing the paintings, the influences, with a great visual flair. It's a well-done documentary.


"Love is the Devil" was the Francis Bacon biopic, with a superb and often naked Daniel Craig as his doomed lover, and Tilda Swinton as an unrecognizable boozy chum. Just saw this recently. Impressionistic and arty, yes, but the film hewed v closely i think, to the life portrayed in this South Bank show. The fact that it was filmed in 1985 when PSB were ascendant adds interest to me.

The entire broadcast can be seen here:

http://www.ubu.com/film/bacon.html

[Docoboy]

Really enjoyed watching this, thanks for posting.

I remember hearing a few years ago that after his death, the whole interior of Bacon's studio was bequeathed to a gallery in Dublin, and the whole thing was transported up from London. It can be visited by the public.

[sneakythesnake]

Really enjoyed watching this, thanks for posting.

I remember hearing a few years ago that after his death, the whole interior of Bacon's studio was bequeathed to a gallery in Dublin, and the whole thing was transported up from London. It can be visited by the public.

Yes, that's true! He was actually born in Dublin to English parents. The studio is now located in the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin city centre. I'm a regular visitor there as it's not that far from where I live. It's interesting to see the studio, and to have an idea of how he worked.Yes, it does look a real mess though!
http://www.hughlane.ie/fb_studio/index.html

[Deschanel]

Docoboy and Sneaky, glad you liked it.. he really was a fine and fascinating painter. I appreciate that you appreciate it. Hardly remembered posting it! it was that kind of night..glad to see no drunken typos.


Esp. to Sneaky: I love that Bacon was from a long line of Anglo-Irishmen who held a passion and love for Ireland their whole lives, whether born there or not. From Wilde to Bacon to Jagger and Marianne Faithfull in the 60's (and a hundred others), Ireland has often been a refuge and inspiration for English artists and non-conformists. It tends to stay forever in their hearts. Very cool.


"Mick adores the wild Irish"- Marianne

[sneakythesnake]

That's a great quote from Marianne.Must remember that one! Thanks, Deschanel!