The Visitors' Book by Jon Lys-Turner
With an extraordinary supporting cast including Lucian Freud and Francis Bacon, this is the untold story of two of the most fascinating figures to emerge from the turbulent world of post-war British art.
An absolute goldmine for Bacon biographers.. But it would be unfair if The Visitors' Book was read only as a footnote to Bacon ... it is full of memorable vignettes, delicious anecdotes and many moving letters from Chopping to Wirth-Miller and vice versa ... haunting biography -- Lynn Barber * Sunday Times *
Perceptive ... an excellent social history of gay life in the 20th century ... a lively commentary on modern British art and culture ... entertaining yarns -- Andrew Lycett * The Spectator *
This handsome book is a stimulating and absorbing description of intertwined bohemian and artists' lives but also an important slice of social and cultural history from original sources. It not only describes the ferment of post-war Britain and the collapsing norms of class and convention, but also offers an example for all of us of a few brave souls doggedly pursuing their artistic vocations and world views against all the odds -- Eamon Delaney * independent.ie *
This panoramic portrait ... is immensely entertaining ... the disputed works in the plate section are the best Bacons I have seen -- Roger Lewis * The Times *
Anecdotes abound in this highly entertaining memoir * Sunday Times *
An excellent read ... an essential reference source for Bacon researchers ... The Visitors' Book is a fascinating and informative study of two unjustly overlooked figures in the British post-war art scene -- Alexander Adams * Jackdaw *
A moving study of hero worship ... as entertaining as it is poignant -- Michael Peppiatt * The Guardian *
This lively, gossipy, indiscreet book brings the couple vividly to life, showing us their loving and destructive relationship in all its complexity. It sheds light on Bacon's professional and private life, and is essential reading for Bacon fans and scholars * Art Newspaper *
A worthy memorial to this troubled pair * The Week *
A compelling account of Fifties artistic bohemia from the fringes -- Sebastian Shakespeare * Tatler *
Jon Lys Turner's marvellous book was obliged to carry its explanatory subtitle . . . but this is to diminish its scope and achievement . . . astounding vignettes of Bacon . . . The author tells his outrageous tales in a deadpan manner and has a knack for the concise character sketch . . . an alternative cultural history of the British scene -- James Norton * Burlington Magazine *
Perceptive ... an excellent social history of gay life in the 20th century ... a lively commentary on modern British art and culture ... entertaining yarns -- Andrew Lycett * The Spectator *
This handsome book is a stimulating and absorbing description of intertwined bohemian and artists' lives but also an important slice of social and cultural history from original sources. It not only describes the ferment of post-war Britain and the collapsing norms of class and convention, but also offers an example for all of us of a few brave souls doggedly pursuing their artistic vocations and world views against all the odds -- Eamon Delaney * independent.ie *
This panoramic portrait ... is immensely entertaining ... the disputed works in the plate section are the best Bacons I have seen -- Roger Lewis * The Times *
Anecdotes abound in this highly entertaining memoir * Sunday Times *
An excellent read ... an essential reference source for Bacon researchers ... The Visitors' Book is a fascinating and informative study of two unjustly overlooked figures in the British post-war art scene -- Alexander Adams * Jackdaw *
A moving study of hero worship ... as entertaining as it is poignant -- Michael Peppiatt * The Guardian *
This lively, gossipy, indiscreet book brings the couple vividly to life, showing us their loving and destructive relationship in all its complexity. It sheds light on Bacon's professional and private life, and is essential reading for Bacon fans and scholars * Art Newspaper *
A worthy memorial to this troubled pair * The Week *
A compelling account of Fifties artistic bohemia from the fringes -- Sebastian Shakespeare * Tatler *
Jon Lys Turner's marvellous book was obliged to carry its explanatory subtitle . . . but this is to diminish its scope and achievement . . . astounding vignettes of Bacon . . . The author tells his outrageous tales in a deadpan manner and has a knack for the concise character sketch . . . an alternative cultural history of the British scene -- James Norton * Burlington Magazine *
Jon Lys Turner first met Dicky Chopping in 1981, shortly after beginning his Masters degree at the Royal College of Art. The pair developed a close friendship that would last until Dicky's death in 2008. Jon has worked at the top end of the UK design industry ever since completing his Masters, and has been creative director to some of the world's largest brands.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781472121660 |
| ISBN 10 | 147212166X |
| Title | The Visitors' Book |
| Author | Jon Lys-Turner |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Little, Brown Book Group |
| Year published | 2016-06-09 |
| Number of pages | 400 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |