
“I feel London is this raw thing...This extraordinary, marvellously unpainted city.”– Frank Auerbach, 1990
Offer Waterman | Francis Outred are pleased to present Frank Auerbach: Portraits of London, the first survey dedicated to the artist’s London landscapes which will unite a carefully selected group of paintings from his seven-decade career.
With the support of the artist and loans from major museums and private collections, the exhibition will present a cohesive and singular insight into Auerbach’s London, capturing the artist’s evolving perspective of the city. The paintings will trace the evolution of London as it recovers from war, regenerates and flourishes into a major metropolis at the turn of the 21st century. It will explore the urban bustle of Oxford Street, St Pancras and Euston to the sweeping panoramas of Primrose Hill, Hampstead Heath and Regent’s Park; as well as the familiar neighbourhood motifs in the vicinity of the artist’s studio around Mornington Crescent and Camden Town. The notion of the city evolving over the decades is mirrored by a parallel shift in colour, texture and form within Auerbach’s painting as he observes the changing city.
Portraits of London will follow the arc of the artist’s career from the enigmatic, densely impastoed, earth-toned building sites of the 1950s, through the vibrant, linear landscapes of the 1960s, to the more fluid and exuberant works of the past 30 years. By showcasing artworks depicting these locations across the decades, visitors will witness Auerbach’s evolving painting style and technique, offering a unique perspective on his artistic journey.
Frank Auerbach: Portraits of London is a collaborative project between Offer Waterman | Francis Outred





Frank Auerbach was born in Berlin, Germany in 1931 and at the age of seven immigrated to England to avoid Nazi persecution. He studied at the Royal College of Art from 1952 to 1955 and his first solo exhibition took place at the Beaux Arts Gallery in London in 1956.


A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services