Celebrating the definitive Lucian Freud exhibition, by those who knew him best

To build excitement for their major exhibition Lucian Freud: Drawing into Painting, the National Portrait Gallery commissioned Lane + Co to produce a series of films.

The first instalment features curators David Dawson and Sarah Howgate exploring a selection of deeply personal items used by Freud in his practice. Filmed within the gallery’s archive, the pair—both of whom knew the artist well—offer rare insight into his life and work, discussing:

• One of Freud's earliest childhood drawings
• A sketchbook containing intimate portraits of his then wife
• The paints, rags and clothing he used in his studio
• His well-worn painting palette

We also filmed a conversation between Freud’s daughter, Bella Freud, and art historian Katy Hessel. Set within the exhibition itself, the discussion offers a personal perspective on Freud’s process. Bella reflects in detail on two portraits her father painted of her, as well as other iconic works—including his celebrated portrait of the Queen—shedding light on both the man and his methods.