John Deakin 1912 – 1972

I came across this John Deakin photo Lucien Freud, in a recent book called, Francis Bacon’s Studio. I remember how in the late 70’s, when I first saw this image, it impressed me so much that I even tried to imitate it! Deep in one of my files is a print of the result but I wouldn’t be able to put my hands on it right now without some rummaging I’m afraid. I would like to find it though. In it I was wearing a secondhand suit i remember.

John Deakin’s photos drew me when I first saw them, and now, as over the last few days, I revisit them, they still stick to the ribs. They are unwawering. Here is a portrait of Francis Bacon, and below that Prunella Scales.