Harris staff member Kyra’s favourite collection item is the ‘Head of Julia III By Frank Auerbach’ made in 1985. 

Auerbach’s work deliberately subverts the traditional idea of portraiture. He resists giving an exact likeness of the sitter- his wife Julia. Instead, her prominent cheekbones and hairstyle are expressed through broad strokes of charcoal and chalk.

Kyra said “I absolutely love this drawing! It captures life so well. I think Julia (his wife) is a very lucky person to have been drawn in such a dynamic way. A drawing like this surely must never be finished ever”. This particular collection item has inspired Kyra to create some of her own drawings!

Purchased with support from the Art Fund in 1987. © Courtesy of the artist and Marlborough Gallery, New York and London.