The novelist White befriended him when living in London in the 1930’s, and commissioned some furniture from him. Spender was a good friend; Bacon gave him some sketches. Freud was a Soho drinking companion. During the 1950’s Bacon followed a lover to Tangier and befriended Ginsberg and Burroughs. While Giacometti was organising an exhibition in London shortly before his death, Bacon met him several times; he had a strong regard for Giacometti’s drawings. Visiting Paris frequently during the 1970’s, he painted a portrait of his friend Leiris. Hamilton, Appel and Boyle were all artist friends.