Member Article

Modernist rugs signed ‘Francis Bacon’ go to auction

Two rugs signed ‘Francis Bacon’ go up for auction with Anderson and Garland in Newcastle-upon-Tyne on 11 September and are expected to collectively make a six figure sum.

The modernist rugs, which come from a German private collection are hand-knotted and in an eau de nil colour with shades of cream, light tan and brown.

The rugs are believed to be two of only a small number that were made at the Royal Wilton Carpet Factory at the end of the 1920s.

Francis Bacon, one of Britain’s best-known artists, was born in Dublin in 1909 and had an extremely promising career in interior design. He enjoyed two successful exhibitions in London before turning to art instead, breaking through in 1944 with the triptych ‘Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion’.

Steven Moore from Anderson and Garland said: “Many people are surprised to learn that Francis Bacon started his career in interior design but he was a very talented designer of furniture and rugs before turning his hand to figurative painting. Sadly he destroyed much of his early work when he changed direction.

“These rugs are particularly appealing to anyone interested in modern design, not least because they feature Bacon’s name. Judging by the enquiries we are receiving, we expect a high number of bids on the day.”

For more information, please visit www.andersonandgarland.co.uk or call 0191 430 3000.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sarah Waddington .