Bacon and John Edwards were companions for 16 years

John Edwards, who died in Thailand on Wednesday aged 53, was Bacon's friend and muse for many years.

He inherited the artist's �11m estate when Bacon died in 1992.

The estate included Bacon's house, studio, money and several paintings.

Several newspapers speculate that Mr Edward's boyfriend of 27 years, Philip Mordue, is now set to receive part, or all, of the inheritance.

But it is unclear how much of Bacon's fortune still remains, and whether it still includes the paintings.

Mr Mordue and Mr Edwards lived together in a luxury flat in Pattaya, one of the leading tourist destinations in the country.

Galleries

Mr Edwards is thought to have sold some paintings through galleries in New York and London, the Guardian reports.

Bacon's works fetch up to �7.5m

He is also thought to have bought several properties in the UK for family members, it adds.

However, the Daily Telegraph said reports in Thailand also suggested the Bacon fortune might have swelled to �30m.

An administrator of the Francis Bacon estate refused to comment on the question of the inheritance on Wednesday.

Mr Edwards, who denied he and Bacon were ever lovers, was the artist's closest friend and companion for 16 years.

He also became Bacon's favourite subject, and inspired more than 30 portraits.

Bacon was one of the last century's most successful artists, earning about �14m before his death aged 82 in 1992.