Lucian Freud’s Etchings: A Creative Collaboration unveiled at Titanic Belfast

L-R: Gill Saunders, Curator for the V&A’s Lucian Freud’s etching exhibition; Judith Owens MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast and David Dawson, Freud's Studio Assistant (1991-2011). 

A captivating new exhibition celebrating the masterful etchings of Lucian Freud, one of Britain’s most celebrated 20th-century artists, has opened at Titanic Belfast.

Running from 2nd May to 30th September 2025, Lucian Freud’s Etchings: A Creative Collaboration, presented in partnership with the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore over 60 of Freud’s iconic works in the Andrews Gallery on Level 2.

This free exhibition, the only one of its kind on the island of Ireland, also introduces an innovative immersive experience that brings Freud’s meticulous printmaking process to life.

Gill Saunders, Curator for the V&A’s Lucian Freud’s etching exhibition; Judith Owens MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast and David Dawson, Freud's Studio Assistant (1991-2011). 

A Journey Through Freud’s Etching Mastery

The exhibition traces Lucian Freud’s evolution as an etcher, from his early experimental works to his later, confident depictions of flesh and form.

Among the standout pieces are Bella in Her Pluto T-Shirt (1995), Woman Sleeping (1995), Self-portrait: Reflection (1996), Pluto Aged 12 (2000), and Donegal Man (2007).

The latter holds special significance for Titanic Belfast, as the sitter was Pat Doherty, the attraction’s Chairman, forging a unique connection between the artwork and the venue.

Freud’s etchings are renowned for their intensity and precision, capturing the raw humanity of his subjects through intricate line work.

L-R: David Dawson, Freud's Studio Assistant (1991-2011); Judith Owens MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast and Gill Saunders, Curator for the V&A’s Lucian Freud’s etching exhibition. 

As Gill Saunders, curator for the V&A’s Lucian Freud etching collection, notes,

“Freud’s etchings invite us to linger over every line. Etching magnifies each decision an artist makes – the bite of the acid, the depth of each scored mark, and the patience between successive plates.”

Displaying these works at Titanic Belfast, a venue synonymous with precision engineering, feels particularly apt, as both celebrate craftsmanship and bold vision.

An Immersive Experience Like No Other

For the first time, visitors can engage with Freud’s creative process through a state-of-the-art immersive experience. This innovative feature animates the etching process, highlighting its meticulous and unpredictable nature. From the bite of acid on a copper plate to the delicate scoring of lines, the experience allows audiences to appreciate the skill behind each work.

Gill Saunders, Curator for the V&A’s Lucian Freud’s etching exhibition; Judith Owens MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast and David Dawson, Freud's Studio Assistant (1991-2011). 

Interactive listening pods further enrich the exhibition, offering intimate insights into Freud’s life and relationships. Interviews with key figures, including David Dawson, Freud’s long-standing assistant and model; Andrew Parker-Bowles, the subject of The Brigadier; Gill Saunders, curator; and Sally Clarke, owner of Clarke’s restaurant where Freud dined daily, paint a vivid portrait of the artist’s uncompromising vision and personal world.

A Glimpse into Freud’s Studio

The exhibition also features a recreation of Freud’s Kensington studio, offering a rare glimpse into the space where his artistry flourished. The studio, with its iconic bundles of paint-soaked rags used to clean brushes, serves as a testament to Freud’s obsessive dedication. This intimate setting invites visitors to step into the environment that shaped some of the most significant works of modern British art.

A Cultural Milestone for Belfast

Judith Owens MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast, expressed her pride in hosting the exhibition:

“We are delighted to open Lucian Freud’s Etchings: A Creative Collaboration. This stunning exhibition, combined with its immersive experience, gives people the unique opportunity to view unseen work from one of the foremost British artists of the 20th century and to delve into the stories behind his creative process.”

Owens also highlighted the exhibition’s role in enhancing Belfast’s cultural landscape.

“At Titanic Belfast, we are committed to bringing world-class events to the city, not only to expand offerings for our visitors but also to strengthen Belfast as a vibrant place to live, work, and visit,” she said.

As the first stop on a global tour and the only venue in Ireland to display these works, Titanic Belfast underscores its position as a premier cultural destination.

A Must-Visit for Art Lovers and Tourists

Lucian Freud’s Etchings: A Creative Collaboration is free to enter, making it an accessible and unmissable experience for locals and tourists alike. The exhibition’s run until 30th September 2025 provides ample opportunity to explore Freud’s legacy in one of Belfast’s most iconic venues.

For those planning a visit, further details are available at www.titanicbelfast.com.

This landmark exhibition not only celebrates the artistry of Lucian Freud but also reaffirms Titanic Belfast’s commitment to delivering world-class cultural experiences. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply curious about one of Britain’s greatest painters, this immersive journey into Freud’s etchings promises to leave a lasting impression.