A new exhibition showcases the life and work of the remarkable Freud family to mark the museum’s 40th anniversary
Novelist Esther Freud, philosopher Alain de Botton and Rabbi Julia Neuberger are among 40 figures from the world of culture and psychoanalysis, who have chosen objects from the archive of London’s Freud Museum in an exhibition to celebrate the museum’s 40th anniversary this summer.
The show, 40 Objects, 40 Years, will use the items to tell the story of the museum, the history of psychoanalysis and of exiled family life. Some of the artefacts had lain hidden from sight in the museum’s attic and are being shown for the first time in a collection assembled by curator Briony Davis.
Album of Freud family photographs © The Freud Museum London
One of the pieces going on display is the metal figure of a porcupine, a momento of Freud’s trip to the USA in 1909, which was picked by de Botton as a reflection on the perplexities around intimacy. Another exhibit, picked out by Esther Freud, is a childhood letter from her father, the painter Lucian Freud (grandson of Sigmund), who wrote to his parents (Ernst Freud and Lucie Brasch) whilst he was away at boarding school in England. Other pieces include a 13th-century copper Chanukah lamp, featuring a Hebrew inscription and animal figures in relief, chosen by Neuberger, who was fascinated to find such an item in Freud’s personal collection. The psychoanalyst was famously ambivalent about his Jewish heritage and this lamp was probably never lit by him and appreciated as a cultural and historical, rather than religious, artefact.
Other contributors who have picked out objects include the novelist Susie Boyt, former politician Luciana Berger and family therapist Caroline Penney.
Chanukah lamp with three animal medals and Hebrew letters in relief – the inscription quotes the biblical passage “For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching is light”, 13th century, Northern France or Germany © The Freud Museum London
“We have encouraged our cultural commentators to be wide-ranging in their contribution, not only about the past but to bring their thoughts on contemporary relevance to their chosen object,” said Anna Jobson, who took over as the museum’s director in September 2025. “Following Freud’s own vision, we aim to create opportunities for everyone to learn something about – and from – psychoanalysis.”
Other objects on display include a battered leather suitcase belonging to the Freud’s live-in maid Paula Fichtel and the hand-written recipe book belonging to Freud’s wife Martha, which includes a recipe for Viennese apple strudel. Also on show for the first time is Anna’s sewing machine and her patterns for cardigans, as well as examples of her embroidery and lacework. She considered weaving and embroidery invaluable crafts alongside the serious and intense work of psychoanalysis and writing.
Gold ring, Roman, with carnelian intaglio depicting Victory, which belonged to Anna Freud © Ardon Bar-Hama, The Freud Museum London
The Freud family fled Austria as refugees in June 1938, three months after Hitler annexed the country. Only after Anna faced Gestapo interrogation was her father finally persuaded to leave Vienna – the coat in which he left is on permanent display at the house – and the family escaped to London, settling in Hampstead at 20 Maresfield Gardens.
Anna, who became a pioneering child psychologist, continued to live in the family home until her death in 1982. In July 1986, according to her wishes, it opened as a permanent museum, with the entire contents of her father’s study and library left intact.
The exhibition will run alongside lectures and other activities planned for the anniversary year. The museum also recently announced plans to develop the Freuds’ beloved garden into a mental health refuge.
By Diane V Silverthorne
Photos courtesy of the Freud Museum London
40 Objects, 40 Years runs from 19 August 2026 – 14 February 2027. The Freud Museum also hosts a series of events in celebration, starting with a tour of the museum and cake cutting on Tuesday 28 July. freud.org.uk