FRANCIS BACON | Screaming Pope Fragment

The present work forms a fragment of a painting by Francis Bacon formerly in the collection of John Kesterton, who ran the Heffer Gallery in Cambridge. The canvas was gifted by Kesterton to the young and impoverished local artist Lewis Todd on the condition that the painting was cut up before he used it for his own painting. The canvas bears a composition of a book shop by Todd painted on the reverse, with this fragment dating to the early 1950s.

Part of a larger work gifted by John Kesterton of the Heffer Gallery, Cambridge to the Artist Lewis Todd, and thence by descent to the previous owner
Acquired by the present owner in 2013

The unstretched fragment of canvas has been attached with thread at points along the extreme edges to a piece of board, which is then, in turn, attached to a piece of foam that is attached to a backing board. The fragment of canvas is unstretched and the edges are unevenly cut. There are Artist's pinholes throughout the work, largely to the extreme edges and towards the edges, with creases towards the edges indicative of a previous stretcher. There are fainter creases throughout the work and some loose strands of canvas. Subject to the above, the work appears to be in very good overall condition. Inspection under ultraviolet light is rendered quite difficult by the museum-quality glass of the frame, but there are no obvious signs of fluorescence or retouching. The work is held behind glass in a painted wooden box frame. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."