Lot 2026 email save

To Francis Bacon letter from Michael Wishart

Sign In to see what this sold for

Michael Wishart (1928-1996): Hand-written letter to Francis Bacon from Park Farm, Pulborough, Sussex, dated March 12th/13th 1978. Two pages written on both sides, 10" x 8", signed Michael. Michael Wishart was a long time friend of Francis Bacon from the 1950s, he was a writer and a painter. The letter refers to "odious and silly" remarks made when Bacon was drunk. He also says "most of your recent released work seems innovated and habitual as well as repetitive in a boring way". "I am nearly 50.... and despise myself for not daring to take my life". On Lucian Freud he says "I find the paint and colour boring and repetitious, I think Lucian's worthwhile work ended with Caroline". For financial reasons he refers to his sale of Lucian's portrait of his mother and his self portrait, he finishes "thanks again for writing, I only minded the insults so much because I once loved and still admire you so very, very much". In a PS he refers to a letter from Graham S. [Sutherland] having written to him enthusiastically about his book.
Provenance: The Robertson Collection

View Ewbank Auctioneers next auction.

Similar lots up for auction