Francis Bacon

by Lawrence Gowing, Sam Hunter, Francis Bacon

Selections from each period of the artist's work are accompanied by essays on his approach to painting

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Sir Lawrence Gowing (April 21, 1918 - February 05, 1991) was an English artist, writer, curator, and teacher.

Initially recognized as a portrait and landscape painter, he quickly rose to prominence as an art educator, writer, and, eventually, curator and museum trustee. As a student of art history he was largely self-taught.

Sir Lawrence was born Lawrence Burnett Gowing to Horace Gowing, a draper, and his wife, Luisa. Born in Stoke Newington and raised in London, his first painting of note, Mare Street, Hackney, made reference to his father's shop. After attending the Downs School at Colwall, Herefordshire and Leighton Park School, in 1938 he enrolled in the Euston Road School, where he studied with William Coldstream.

He was Principal of the Slade School of Fine Art at University College, London from 1975 to 1985.

Reviews

[Digi M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m confused about Francis Bacon. I remember seeing an exhibition of his in Tokyo, and it was very crowded. There was no real time to appreciate the work, but at the same time, I wasn’t convinced that they had brought his best work. I thought that perhaps Bacon didn’t consider these works good enough for public viewing, so I was conflicted as to whether to judge him on that particular exhibition.

Which brings me to this book. It is very similar to the exhibition. I understand that he is world famous, and most probably respected for his new vision, and style, but, it leaves me wanting more. I grow frustrated with his work, as there are repetitive elements like blurred faces, or figures morphed into almost one color and smudge. Yes, it’s meant to represent movement, etc, but it doesn’t do it for me.

I want to like Francis Bacon, but there are only a handful of his paintings that I can truly say that I like.