Lot 103: Kevin Geary (b.1952) FRANCIS BACON AT MURIEL'S,

Kevin Geary (b.1952) FRANCIS BACON AT MURIEL'S, COLONY ROOM CLUB, SOHO, 1984 pencil on paper signed lower right; titled and dated top centre 28 by 21cm., 11 by 8.25in. Kevin Geary has executed portraits of some of the world's most prominent people over the last thirty-five years with examples found in National Portrait Gallery in London as well as the Abbey Theatre, Dublin (Cyril Cusack). Francis Bacon was known personally to the artist and the two drank together occasionally at the Colony Room Club in Soho (known as Muriel's after Muriel Belcher, the original owner), as well as the French pub on Dean Street, and the Chelsea Arts Club. This sketch of Bacon, drawn from life, was executed on one such occasion and has remained in the possession of the artist in its original sketchbook until recently. Few portraits of Bacon done from life exist, due to the fact that Bacon hated sitting for his portrait. This portrait sketch is the only portrait by Geary of Bacon and is therefore a unique and highly desirable historical work.