Exclusive Invitation to Private View and Dinner - Francis Bacon by Francis Giacobetti

Kings Place have invited members of The SaVVy Club^® to enjoy a Private View with a difference. Although this event is a private view by special invitation only, the evening will offer members a highly enjoyable and sociable opportunity to mingle with over 1,000 art-lovers from around the UK - whilst browsing portraits of Francis Bacon created by the famous French photographer, Francis Giacobetti.   

The conventional view of Bacon is that he was something of a recluse, rarely venturing from the studio and even then restricting his socialising to meeting his bohemian and underworld friends at Soho’s Colony Club. Bacon, however, had something of a parallel life in Paris where he had a broad circle of friends, among whom was Francis Giacobetti. In spite of his reputation for prickly uncooperativeness, Bacon agreed to collaborate with Giacobetti on this compelling group of portraits.

The portraits are pastiches in the true, positive sense of the word, being a kind of homage produced in the manner of his paintings. Bacon constantly used photographs and film stills, and photographers such as Marye, Muybridge and Harold Edgerton were almost part of his DNA. In addition, he had a collection of 1930’s medical text books in which x-rays and close-ups of the mouth featured prominently. Much of this reference material found its way into his paintings.

Another aspect of Giacobetti’s reinventions is the bleak existential void in which events occur. This empty darkness, never illuminated by more than a single, naked bulb, emanates danger, like a gathering storm.

The evening will start at 6pm at Kings Place Gallery.  Hospitality will be served whilst you browse the magnificent exhibition.  For members of The SaVVy Club^®, the evening continues at 8pm with a three course dinner served in Rotunda (Kings Place).  With its stunning waterside views this restaurant will provide the perfect ambience to unwind and enjoy the company of your fellow art enthusiasts.



Booking deadline: 25 March, 2009.     

Ask about ticket only option.