Controversial Bacon drawings displayed in London

The first exhibition in Britain of the controversial drawings attributed to Francis Bacon took place last month. Comprising 33 works acquired by Cristiano Lovatelli Ravarino (which were not for sale), the exhibition was at The Gallery in Cork Street, London, from 8 to 18 February. This followed the cancellation of a debate on the drawings that had been scheduled at the Courtauld Institute in January, but was cancelled for legal reasons (The Art Newspaper, February 2012, p1). Bologna-based Ravarino says that Bacon was his lover and that the artist gave him 600 drawings. The authenticity of the works has not been accepted by the established Bacon scholars. Ravarino said at the exhibition opening that he had refused to come to London to live with Bacon.