Francis Bacon: A Brush with Violence

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Francis Bacon was the loudest, rudest, drunkest, most sought after British artist of the 20th Century. 25 years after his death his canvases regularly exceed £40m at auction. Bacon’s appeal is rooted in his notoriety; a candid image he presented of himself as Roaring Boy, Lord of Misrule, and Conveyor of Artistic Violence. This was true enough, but only part of the truth. He carefully cultivated the façade, protecting the complex and haunted man behind the myth. In this unique, compelling film those who knew him speak freely, some for the first time to reveal the many mysteries of Francis Bacon.

Nominated for a Grierson Award for Best Arts Documentary 2017 and a BAFTA Scotland Award for Best Specialist Factual 2017

BBC2