Barry Joule threatens legal action against Tate over Francis Bacon archive donation dispute

Barry Joule, a longtime friend of Francis Bacon, is threatening legal action against Tate over a 2004 donation of 1,200 sketches, photographs, and documents from the British painter's studio. Joule claims Tate reneged on promises to exhibit the archive, valued at approximately £20 million, despite assurances from then-director Sir Nicolas Serota in 2003 that an exhibition would occur within three years of the donation. In 2008, Tate held a Bacon retrospective that included none of Joule's donated items. While Tate maintains it has fulfilled the agreement by displaying some pieces in archival exhibition cases, Joule contends this falls short of what was promised. He has canceled plans to donate additional works, including a 1936 Bacon self-portrait and nine other paintings. In emails to Tate director Maria Balshaw, Joule expressed frustration over being ignored and plans to seek the return of his gift. Tate confirmed it is in communication with Joule regarding the matter.