Discover Lucian Freud’s rare etchings at Titanic Belfast. Free exhibition runs until 30 Sept, showcasing unseen works and studio recreations.
A major new exhibition of previously unseen works by renowned British painter Lucian Freud has opened at Titanic Belfast, drawing art lovers from across Ireland and beyond.
Titled Lucian Freud’s Etchings: A Creative Collaboration, the exhibition showcases more than 60 of Freud’s etchings — many of which have never been publicly exhibited. This marks the first stop in the exhibition’s global tour, with Belfast the sole Irish city selected.
The showcase dives deep into Freud’s decades-long collaboration with master printer Marc Balakjian. Among the standout works is Donegal Man, a 2007 piece featuring Pat Doherty, Chairman of Titanic Belfast, as the sitter.
Judith Owens, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast, said the museum is “honoured” to host the exhibition. “We are thrilled to display never-before-seen pieces from one of the world’s most renowned artists and bring yet another reason for people to visit Belfast,”
She said, “The exhibition is particularly special for Titanic Belfast given its links to our Chairman Pat Doherty and will be free for people to view, and we are delighted to enhance our visitor experience over the busy summer period.”
Adding a distinct layer to the exhibition is a faithful recreation of Freud’s Kensington studio, famously cluttered and alive with creative energy.
“Piled with rags to clean his brushes, the studio became a living artwork itself and will bring another dimension to the exhibition experience,” a museum spokesperson noted.
Visitors can also immerse themselves further through audio interviews with key figures from Freud’s life. These include David Dawson, his long-time assistant and muse; Andrew Parker-Bowles, the sitter for The Brigadier; Gill Saunders, the exhibition’s curator; and Sally Clarke, proprietor of the famed Clarke’s restaurant frequented by Freud.
“The testimonials will offer further insight into his work, bringing the etchings to life and offering insight into the artist’s habits, relationships and overall vision,” the spokesperson added.
Gill Saunders, curator at the Victoria & Albert Museum, underlined the significance of the display.
“Made over a period of 25 years, Lucian Freud’s extraordinary etchings demonstrate his developing mastery of this challenging medium.
Shown together for the first time, this unique collection of trial proofs offers fascinating insights into Freud’s working process, and shows us how his achievements in print depended on his close collaboration with the master printer Marc Balakjian.”
Lucian Freud’s Etchings: A Creative Collaboration runs at Titanic Belfast until 30 September and is free to the public. With rare works, personal connections, and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of Britain’s most iconic artists, it’s an unmissable cultural event for the summer.
Belfast has once again placed itself firmly on the global art map with this world-class exhibition. For art enthusiasts, curious visitors, or anyone looking for a fresh reason to explore the city, Titanic Belfast now offers a rare window into the creative genius of Lucian Freud.
