Lucian Freud 'love letters' for sale after being kept in secret for 70 years

A collection of intimate letters sent by Lucian Freud to Sir Stephen Spender and kept secret for 70 years have been unveiled to the public, showing the artist in his mysterious teenage years.

The letters, kept by Sir Stephen's family, show affectionate correspondence between the teen Freud and his older friend, which has led some to speculate about their relationship.

Missives from Freud, signed 'Lucelli', 'Lucio Fruit' or 'Lucionus Fruitata', refer to venereal disease, shaving accidents and a "feeble expression of pure joy creeping over my features as I recognised your familiar hand!'"