A painter's progress

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For nearly two decades, David Dawson served as Lucian Freud's assistant, companion, and model, gaining unique access to the artist's life and work. Freud, known for his powerful social circles and commitment to privacy, typically avoided distractions and preferred to be photographed only by those he trusted. However, as Dawson became comfortable with capturing Freud's image, photography became an integral part of their daily studio routine. The resulting photographs offer an intimate glimpse into the artist’s life and the evolution of his paintings, a rare documentation of such depth over time. Despite Freud's guarded nature, his social circle included prominent figures from the art world, such as art historian John Richardson and painters David Hockney and Frank Auerbach, alongside friends like model Kate Moss and the Duke of Beaufort. The narrative begins in Freud's old studio in Holland Park and transitions to his eighteenth-century Kensington house, where he worked until his death. Dawson also captured Freud during visits to renowned museums in New York, Amsterdam, and Madrid, culminating in a portrayal of the artist's extraordinary collection of paintings. The final images depict the installation of Freud’s work at his posthumous exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, creating a haunting and fascinating portrait of one of the most significant painters of our time.