Last Thursday evening at ROSL Clubhouse, London saw a unique opportunity to draw Lucian Freud's muse Sue Tilley, who posed for some of the artist’s most iconic paintings, including ‘Benefits Supervisor Sleeping’ (1995) and ‘Benefits Supervisor Resting’ (1994) which went on to sell for a record-breaking £35 million ($56 million) at auction.
Lucian Freud (1922 - 2011), Benefits Supervisor Sleeping (1995), oil on canvas, 151.3 x 219cm
Leading British contemporary painter Caroline Walker guided guests through this one-hour life drawing session with Sue, moving from several short poses and experimental techniques to a longer stance. The overwhelmingly positive feedback for this event, which involved a drinks reception and the opportunity to ask Sue anything about her experiences as a life model for Lucian Freud, her friendship with Leigh Bowery and her online talk show/life drawing series broadcast on internet channel Hastings' Isolation Station during lockdown, delighted our art crowd.
Images from Sue Tilley: Life Drawing and Q&A, Thursday 17 March, Princess Alexandra Hall, London
Caroline Walker's work can be seen in the following forthcoming solo exhibitions:
Laura Knight & Caroline Walker: A Female Gaze, Nottingham Castle, Nottingham (until 5 Jun)
Caroline Walker: Lisa, Stephen Friedman Gallery, London (29 April - 28 May)
Caroline Walker, Antibody Selection (2019), oil on linen, 170 x 230cm - Image courtesy of the artist, GRIMM Amsterdam/New York, Ingleby Gallery, Edinburgh and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London. Photography: Peter Mallet
Caroline Walker, Bathroom, Room 608 (2018), oil on board, 45 x 36cm - Image courtesy of the artist, GRIMM Amsterdam/New York, Ingleby Gallery, Edinburgh and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London. Photography: Peter Mallet
This event is hosted as part of ROSL ARTS Muse series:
Thursday 31 March 2022, 6.30 – 8PM: Sotheby's Institute of Art Panel Discussion, Does the Artist’s Muse Have a Place in the Modern World?
Thursday 7 April 2022, 6.30 – 8PM: Art Talk, Muse by Ruth Millington + Book Launch
Muse by Ruth Millington (Vintage Publishing, 07/04/22) is available for pre-order now.
