Fifteen paintings and 29 works on paper by Frank Auerbach have entered Britain’s national collections, the Arts Council England has announced.
Coming from the Lucian Freud estate, the extensive collection has been accepted in lieu of death duties. This is the third in lieu offer coming from the Lucian Freud estate, and is the most significant in the 100-year history of the scheme. The acceptance of this offer writes off a £16,252,425 tax bill.
The collection spans Auerbach’s entire career from the 1950s onwards. It comprises several major portraits, including the Head of Gerda Boehm (1964), displaying the artist’s signature brushstrokes. The collection also features more intimate artifacts, including birthday cards sent by Auerbach to Freud.
The works will be on display at Manchester City Art Gallery from May 17, touring to Tate Britain from August 25. They will then be distributed to institutions across the country.