30 Facts About Frank Auerbach

Early Life and Family

Frank Auerbach's early years were marked by significant events that shaped his future as an artist.

1. Born in Berlin: Frank Helmut Auerbach was born on April 29, 1931, in Berlin, Germany, to Max Auerbach, a patent lawyer, and Charlotte Nora Borchardt, who had trained as an artist.

2. Jewish Heritage: His family was Jewish, a heritage that would later play a significant role in his life and work.

3. Kindertransport Escape: In 1939, at the age of seven, Auerbach was sent to England via the Kindertransport scheme to escape Nazi persecution.

4. Parents' Tragic Fate: His parents stayed behind in Germany and were later killed in the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1942.

Education and Early Influences

Auerbach's education and early influences were crucial in shaping his artistic style and career.

5. Bunce Court School: Auerbach attended Bunce Court School, a progressive boarding school for Jewish refugee children in Kent, where he excelled in art and drama classes.

6. Theater Involvement: At 17, he played in theater productions, including one with Peter Ustinov, which led him to consider a career in acting.

7. Estella West's Influence: The actress Estella West convinced him to pursue a career in art, marking a significant turning point in his life.

8. Royal College of Art: Auerbach studied painting at the Royal College of Art from 1952 to 1955, further honing his skills.

9. David Bomberg's Tutelage: He also attended night classes at Borough Polytechnic under the tutelage of David Bomberg, whose lush, painterly brushwork had a lasting impact on Auerbach's style.

Artistic Career and Style

Auerbach's unique technique and dedication to his craft set him apart in the art world.

10. First Solo Exhibition: His first solo exhibition was held at the Beaux-Arts Gallery in London in 1956, garnering significant attention despite initial criticism for his thick application of paint.

11. School of London: Auerbach is considered one of the leading names in the School of London, a group of artists committed to figurative art, including Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud.

12. Thick Paint Technique: His technique involved building up layers of paint, often scraping off previous layers to start anew, resulting in thickly painted portraits and street scenes.

13. Psychological Intensity: His portraits and figures were characterized by their psychological intensity and sensual detail.

14. Archaeological Development: The layers of paint in Auerbach's works often revealed an archaeological development, with earlier layers peeking through later ones.

Personal Life and Relationships

Auerbach's personal life and relationships deeply influenced his work.

15. Intense Relationships with Models: He developed intense relationships with his models, often painting the same few sitters weekly, including his wife, Julia Wolstenholme, model Estella Olive West (E.O.W.), and Juliet Yardley Mills (J.Y.M.).

16. Camden Town Studio: Auerbach lived and worked in the same studio in Camden Town, London, from 1954 until his death, with many of his paintings featuring the streets and parks of Camden Town.

17. Unyielding Work Schedule: Known for his unyielding work schedule, Auerbach worked 364 days a year, reflecting his dedication to his craft.

Recognition and Legacy

Auerbach's contributions to the art world were recognized through numerous exhibitions and awards.

18. Exhibitions and Awards: He had numerous solo exhibitions, including retrospectives at the Hayward Gallery in 1978, the Royal Academy in 2001, and Tate Britain in 2015. He was awarded the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale in 1986 for his design of the British Pavilion.

19. International Recognition: His work has been shown around the world, contributing to an increase in his popularity in the art market.

20. Record-Breaking Auction: His painting "Mornington Crescent," inspired by the streets near his home, was sold at auction for £5.56 million in 2023, setting a record for him.

21. Holocaust Survivor: Auerbach was a Holocaust survivor who never saw his parents again after being sent to England, a personal tragedy that deeply influenced his life and art.

Teaching and Influence

Auerbach's impact extended beyond his own work, influencing many other artists.

22. Charcoal Drawings: His charcoal drawings showcased his unique technique and emotional intensity, often reflecting a long process of creation and development.

23. Friendships and Collaborations: He maintained close relationships with fellow artists, including Leon Kossoff, with many paintings featuring his friends and colleagues.

24. Self-Portraiture During COVID-19: During the COVID-19 pandemic, unable to access sitters, Auerbach turned to self-portraiture, unveiling a series of 20 new works at the Hazlitt Holland-Hibbert gallery in 2023.

25. Teaching and Mentorship: He taught at various art schools, including Camberwell School of Art, influencing many notable artists such as Tom Philips, Jenny Saville, and Cecily Brown.

Final Years and Legacy

Auerbach's final years were marked by continued creativity and recognition.

26. Major Retrospectives: He was the subject of major retrospective exhibitions that highlighted his contributions to British art, including shows at the Hayward Gallery, the Royal Academy, and Tate Britain.

27. Art Market Popularity: His work has been highly sought after in the art market, characterized by its emotional resonance and unique technique.

28. Innovative Techniques: Auerbach’s innovative techniques, such as building up layers of paint and scraping them off, added a sense of archaeological development to his paintings.

29. Emotional Immediacy: His work is characterized by its emotional immediacy, often conveying a sense of intense psychological and sensual experience.

30. Passing: Frank Auerbach passed away peacefully at his home in London on November 11, 2024, at the age of 93, with tributes from major museums and cultural institutions recognizing his significant contributions to British art.

Auerbach's Lasting Legacy

Frank Auerbach's life and work tell a story of resilience and dedication. From escaping Nazi Germany as a child to becoming a leading figure in British art, his journey was nothing short of remarkable. His thickly painted portraits and street scenes, often featuring the same few sitters, showcased his unique technique and emotional depth. Auerbach's commitment to his craft, working almost every day of the year, resulted in a body of work that continues to captivate and inspire. His influence extended beyond his own paintings, impacting students and fellow artists alike. Even in his final years, he remained creative, turning to self-portraiture during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frank Auerbach's legacy lives on through his powerful artworks and the lasting impact he had on the art world. His story is a testament to the enduring power of art and the human spirit.