The reconstructed London studio of artist Francis Bacon opens to the public in Dublin.
The London studio used by the artist Francis Bacon was transported to Ireland three years ago and meticulously reconstructed at the Hugh Lane Gallery. Widely regarded as one of the finest figurative artists of the twentieth century, Francis Bacon produced some of his most celebrated work in this space.
For three years, archaeologists and conservation experts have been reassembling the more than seven thousand items inside the studio.
Over a three year period, archaeologists and conservation specialists painstakingly catalogued and reassembled more than 7,000 items from the studio. Francis Bacon worked in the space for 31 years until his death in 1992. Originally located on the first floor of 7 Reece Mews in South Kensington, the studio has now been fully relocated to Dublin, complete with its original walls, ceilings, floors and wooden staircase.
Dr Margarita Cappock, project manager at the Hugh Lane Gallery, describes the studio as, a complete mess, while noting that a distinct order exists within the apparent chaos.
The studio was donated to the gallery by Francis Bacon’s partner and heir, John Edwards. Barbara Dawson, director of the Hugh Lane Gallery, has hailed the project as a unique, world‑class addition that has significantly enhanced Dublin’s cultural identity.
Francis Bacon himself had once reflected on the studio space, saying
This mess here around us is rather like my mind; it may be a good image of what goes on inside me, that's what it's like, my life is like that.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 22 May 2001. The reporter is Deirdre McCarthy.
