Historian Dr Helen Fry charts the story of the Freud family following their departure from Austria as refugees during World War II. Despite his worldwide reputation as the father of modern psychology, Sigmund Freud’s security in his native Vienna changed overnight when Hitler’s forces annexed Austria in 1938. It was after becoming refugees that the Freuds’ story took a fascinating turn. Following their dramatic escape from Austria, Sigmund’s son Martin and grandson Walter enlisted in the British Forces. In 1943, Walter volunteered for Special Operations Executive, a secret British World War II organisation, which sent him back to Austria to spy behind enemy lines.

This session is part of our series celebrating the centenary of Lucian Freud’s birth, held in conjunction with Jewish Renaissance and Insiders Outsiders. This session will be free to attend, but please click here to reserve your place.

Dr Helen Fry has written over 25 books, including Spymaster: The Man Who Saved MI6, Churchill’s German Army, and the bestselling The Walls Have Ears: The Greatest Intelligence Operation of WWII. Freuds’ War draws on previously unpublished family archives and photographs, including excerpts from Sigmund’s diary, to give an insight into the renowned family’s life in both pre-war Vienna and WWII Britain.