Four Major Works by Bacon, Freud, and Kossoff from Lewis Collection to Hit Auction Block at Sotheby's London

The group, which includes two portraits by Lucian Freud and a rare swimming pool scene by Leon Kossoff, will be sold in London on March 4.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Sotheby's will offer four major works from the Lewis Collection next month, spearheaded by a 1972 self-portrait by Francis Bacon. The group also includes two portraits by Lucian Freud and a rare swimming pool scene by Leon Kossoff. The paintings are described as 'one of the finest groups of School of London works ever brought to market'.

Why it matters

The Lewis Collection, worth an estimated $1 billion, has a focus on Impressionist and School of London works. This auction marks the first designated sale from the collection, showcasing the enduring relevance and importance of the School of London movement in British art.

The details

The four works include Bacon's 1972 self-portrait, Freud's 'Blond Girl on a Bed' (1987) and 'A Young Painter' (1957-58), and Kossoff's 'Children's Swimming Pool' (1969). Sotheby's says the market is stronger than a year ago, with collectors seeking 'fresh-to-market, high-quality, well-estimated material' like the Lewis works.

  • The Sotheby's Modern and Contemporary evening sale will take place in London on March 4, 2026.
  • The paintings will be unveiled in New York before the London auction.

The players

Joe Lewis

A British businessman, investor, and art collector, known as the longtime majority owner of London's Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. His art collection, worth an estimated $1 billion, has a focus on Impressionist and School of London works.

Vivienne Lewis

Joe Lewis' daughter, who has helped amass the Lewis art collection.

Francis Bacon

A renowned British painter and a member of the School of London group.

Lucian Freud

A British painter and a member of the School of London group.

Leon Kossoff

A British painter and a member of the School of London group.

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What they’re saying

“The mood going into the spring auctions is hugely different from this time last year. The first six or seven months were very difficult to navigate. But something shifted in September.”

— Oliver Barker, Sotheby's Europe chairman (ARTnews)

“It hasn't been easy finding good supply. But when you bring exceptional material to market, the response is robust.”

— Oliver Barker, Sotheby's Europe chairman (ARTnews)

“The School of London has been a core focus of the Lewis Collection from its earliest days. It is a movement that reshaped how artists confront the human condition; we care deeply about its legacy and enduring relevance and wish to support the avant-garde artists of today who continue that same fearless inquiry.”

— Lewis Collection spokesperson (ARTnews)

What’s next

The four works from the Lewis Collection will be auctioned at Sotheby's Modern and Contemporary evening sale in London on March 4, 2026.

The takeaway

This auction highlights the continued importance and influence of the School of London movement, which championed figurative painting in the face of avant-garde approaches. The Lewis Collection's decision to sell these works showcases their commitment to supporting the legacy and future of this influential group of British artists.