Foundation News
Francis Bacon: Interwoven Lives is the latest book to be published by the Francis Bacon MB Art Foundation. Edited by Majid Boustany, the creator of the Foundation, it retraces the deep friendship between Francis Bacon and two men who became his closest confidants, Eddy Batache and Reinhard Hassert.
In the first part, Majid Boustany recounts the unconventional life-stories of these two intellectuals, relates how he came to meet them and reflects on the unwavering friendship that developed between himself and the two people from whom he has learned so much about Francis Bacon. In the second part, Eddy Batache writes about the uncontested fraternal bond between himself and his companion and the British artist, offering illuminating glimpses of Francis Bacon in private life, providing invaluable insights into the gestation of his paintings and recalling the trio’s numerous excursions in France and other parts of Europe. The book is abundantly illustrated with photographs, reproductions of artworks and items of correspondence.
From 1975 onwards, the writer, journalist and art historian Eddy Batache and his partner, the art dealer Reinhard Hassert, were undoubtedly the closest friends and confidants of Francis Bacon. For years, I secretly nurtured the hope of publishing a book retracing their special bond with him. It was so obviously the thing to do – an absolute necessity. The fabulous story of their relationship with Bacon had to be recorded in print. Now that hope is fulfilled.
Majid Boustany
This text does not pretend to relate the last years of Francis Bacon’s life, still less to present itself as a critical study of his work. It so happens that my companion Reinhard Hassert and I had the joy of sharing with the artist some of the notable moments of his last seventeen years, and that I am able to illustrate them with many photographs and a rich correspondence.
Eddy Batache
Francis Bacon: Interwoven Lives can be purchased directly from the Francis Bacon MB Art Foundation (email info@mbartfoundation.com for details).
