Francis Bacon in Dublin

Published in June 2000 to celebrate the Hugh Lane Gallery's acquisition of Francis Bacon's studio, donated by his heir John Edwards, this volume accompanied the first exhibition of Bacon's paintings to be held in his native city for four decades. Curated by David Sylvester, the internationally renowned critic and curator, and Bacon's close friend for more than forty years, the exhibition surveyed the whole of the artist's career from the early 1930s through to the late 1980s. The paintings in the show, all of which are reproduced in full colour, include some of his most important and finest works, and several from the Estate of Francis Bacon which had never before been exhibited in a public gallery. Sylvester's notes to the plates present a concise account of Bacon's artistic development, highlighting the central themes, motifs and techniques that evolve or remained constant throughout his career. In addition, accompanying texts by Grey Gowrie, Louis le Brocquy, Anthony Cronin and Paul Durcan, all of whom knew Bacon personally, provide fascinating insights into the artist's life, work and personality.