Scraps of Bacon

Novelist James Maw paints an unofficial portrait of Francis Bacon by speaking to his Soho drinking companions and trying to track down the paintings he gave away.

Bacon's characteristically austere paintings are at odds with the man himself, who was known as a bon viveur, gambler and inveterate drinker who attracted a diverse social circle. Maw investigates the rumours of the works that Bacon gave away to friends or to settle bills, and in the process paints his own portrait of the great artist.