13th July 2009
This year marks the centenary of the birth of Irish figurative artist Francis Bacon who was born in Dublin in, no prizes for guessing, 1909! His work was known for it's bold, austere and often violent imagery. The Hugh Lane Gallery in nearby Parnell Square (a 5 minute stroll from the hostels) houses the studio where Bacon worked in South Kensington, London.
After his death, John Edwards, close friend and confident, donated the contents of the studio to the gallery. Over 7,000 items were carefully catalogued, moved and repositioned in the gallery studio. With speculation that Bacon had been locked in a cupboard as a child the small studio was a place where he felt comfortable. He once explained that 'chaos suggests images to me'.
The Hugh Lane also has a wonderful exhibition of over 2,000 artworks from Impressionist to contemporary pieces. With a great cafe and gift shop it's perfect for whiling away a few hours if you should have a damp day on your visit to Dublin!
Www.hughlane.ie – admission free.
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