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Francis Bacon: Sound Archive

FRANCIS BACON AT THE BBC | Celebrating the life and work of a great British artist

Francis Bacon: Sound Archive

A rare, early interview with Francis Bacon about his work.

Synopsis

Francis Bacon discusses his work and methods with David Sylvester. In this lauded interview, Bacon reveals his artistic influences, details his tightrope walk between abstract and figurative painting, and memorably describes his work as 'one continuous accident'. Bacon also talks about the practical side of his art, his application of paint and the glazing of his pictures, as well as the motivations behind his career.

Did you know?

David Sylvester was one of the most important critics to champion Francis Bacon. This is the first of Sylvester's interviews with Bacon, which are regarded as some of the best discussions with the artist on his work. They were published as a book, 'Interviews with Francis Bacon', in 1975 and came sixth in 'The Guardian' newspaper's 'Great Interviews of the 20th Century' collection.

Contributors

Francis Bacon
Contributor
David Sylvester
Interviewer

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Documents

A letter from producer Michael Gill to Francis Bacon. A transcript is available in the Plain Text document on this page.

LETTER FROM MICHAEL GILL TO FRANCIS BACON

WRITTEN 1966
1 DOC

Producer Michael Gill updates Francis Bacon on his forthcoming television programme.

An article from the 'Radio Times'. A transcript is available in the Plain Text document on this page.

RADIO TIMES ARTICLE: Francis Bacon

WRITTEN 1966
1 DOC

A preview of 'Fragments of a Portrait' from the 'Radio Times'.

A clipping from a listings page in an old 'Radio Times'. A transcript is available in the Plain Text document on this page.

RADIO TIMES ENTRY: 'Fragments of a Portrait'

WRITTEN 1966
1 DOC

How the 'Radio Times' presented 'Fragments of a Portrait' in its listings.

A BBC research document about the audience who watched 'Fragments of a Portrait'. A transcript is available in the Plain Text document on this page.

AUDIENCE RESPONSE REPORT

WRITTEN 1966
1 DOC

The BBC finds out what the viewers thought of 'Fragments of a Portrait' on its original broadcast.


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