Francis Bacon’s Portrait of John Edwards (1988), Poster for the 1988 Van Gogh Exhibition in Arles (1985) and ‘Streetscape with Colonnade' (1945) currently feature in Pace London’s exhibition A Strong Sweet Smell of Incense: A Portrait of Robert Fraser which runs to 28 March. John Edwards was Francis Bacon's closest friend and companion from 1976 until Bacon’s death in April 1992. Edwards is the subject of over twenty Bacon paintings, with Portrait of John Edwards, 1988, a particularly noted work. All of Bacon's brushstrokes of Edwards were painted exclusively from photographs and from memory, never from life.
“the only true friend I ever had”. - Francis Bacon on John Edwards.
John Edwards' studies in photography saw him take photographs on Bacon's behalf, many of which the artist used in his paintings; Bacon, who thought very highly of these, would often refer to Edwards as “my photographer”. Read more about John Edwards and his friendship with Francis bacon via our website.
Pace London explains on its website it is; "honoured to present A Strong Sweet Smell of Incense, a momentous exhibition that will take as inspiration the character and career of celebrated art dealer and pioneer, Robert Fraser. Curated by Brian Clarke." Bacon's work is shown alongside the art of David Bailey, Liz Finch, Peter Blake, Andy Warhol and many others. For more information please visit the exhibition site. A Strong Sweet Smell of Incense: A Portrait of Robert Fraser 06 Feb 2015 – 28 Mar 2015 Pace London, 6 Burlington Gardens London W1S 3ET Word reference: Pace London press release and website, The Estate of Francis Bacon website. Please note all details including exhibition dates are subject to change, and tickets are subject to availability, for all confirmation please contact Pace London.
