Feature: The Big Picture - Those obscure objects of desire

Published: 2 December, 2010

OBJECTS in Mind at the Freud Museum is an exhibition inspired by the loan from the National Portrait Gallery of Maggi Hambling’s spectacular self-portrait. Just as Freud surrounded himself with antiquities, the artist portrays herself as though pausing for thought in her studio, surrounded by objects from her memory and imagination.  

Born in Suffolk, Hambling graduated from the Slade School of Art in 1969. In 1980, she became the first artist-in-residence at the National Gallery. 

In 1995, she won the Jerwood Prize for Painting jointly with Patrick Caulfield. She is known both for her bold handling of paint and public sculptures, including Oscar Wilde, situated near the NPG, and Scallop on Aldeburgh beach, Suffolk.  

The loan is part of an exhibition that explores why we surround ourselves with objects, what they mean and what they say about us. 

Sigmund Freud’s own visit to the National Portrait Gallery in 1908 is brought to life in a display by artist Robert Poulter. The theme of people and their work environments is further explored through Eamonn McCabe’s series of photographs, and Artists and their Studios, which includes portraits of 18 artists in their working environments. 

A programme of talks, events and a new educational programme accompanies the exhibition. 

The exhibition has been developed in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery and Renaissance London, as part of the National: Regional Loan Scheme (NRLS), which is funded by the Renaissance in the Regions programme. 

The exhibition aims to make Freud and psychoanalysis more accessible to visitors who are not already knowledgeable on the subjects. 

• Objects in Mind: Maggie Hambling Self-Portrait is at the Freud Museum London, 20 Maresfield Gardens, NW3, until February 27, Wednesday-Sunday, noon-5pm, £5, senior citizens £4.50, conc £3, under-12s free, 020 7435 2002, www.freud.org.uk 

• On Saturday (December 4, 10.30am5.30pm) there is a jewellery workshop: Memento Amour. Using trinkets, vintage jewellery and ephemera, artist Lili Spain leads a discussion and workshop which will breathe new life into forgotten things. Participant will create and take home a unique and wearable sculpture.  £35, £30 Friends/ concessions 

• Late opening on Wednesday December 8 (5.30-8.30pm) offers a chance to tours the house and the exhibition, buy Christmas presents at the museum shop – with a glass of mulled wine. Admission prices as normal