Hambling is perhaps best known for her compelling portraits, paintings of the sea, and her public sculpture which is celebrated and controversial. Less familiar, but equally significant, are her dynamic and sensuous works on paper. Forging an immediate and powerful connection with the subject being drawn, the concept of ‘touch’ pervades these works, distilling the themes of life and death that underscore her art. The exhibition presents an important survey of works on paper that traces the artist’s engagement with drawing throughout her career, including work from the British Museum’s collection, loans from the National Portrait Gallery and Tate, and rarely seen work from private collections and the artist’s studio.

A comprehensively illustrated book, the first to focus specifically on the range and impact of Hambling’s works on paper is also published by Lund Humphries to coincide with the exhibition.