A Visit to Charleston

Embedded in the wilds of East Sussex, Charleston House is a unique and wonderful expression of artistic life. Home to Vanessa Bell - sister of Virginia Woolf and brilliant artist and illustrator in her own right, this is the house she shared with painter Duncan Grant - her one-time lover and lifelong friend. The pair were known for their open, progressive attitude to relationships, disregarding the social norms of their time. 

The house is famed for its decor - hand painted from top to bottom by the artists, who beautifully designed each others bedrooms. It is such a unique place, and you can tell it was done for their own enjoyment and use - rather than being about impressing others. 

The artists' belief in art for everyday life is abundantly clear. All the walls are filled with paintings, and painted upon, with libraries of books, working studios and studies, and beautiful views over the garden. Hand-made ceramics by Vanessa Bell's son are all over the house, both functional and decorative.

This is design for life. 

The Bloomsbury Group comprised of Artists, Designers, Philosophers, Intellectuals and Writers - known as such because they lived, worked or studied in London's Bloomsbury in the first half of the 20th century. With strong links to Kings college London, and Cambridge university, this group of friends and relatives were united in their passion for the arts and attitudes to feminism, pacifism and sexuality. 

Behind the house, mosaics, statues, ponds and box hedges fill a garden as wondrous as the house. Herbs and aromatic plants scent the air, and exotic and wild flowers spark the eye, as vivid as paintings. It is the perfect setting for the Festival of the Garden coming up from July 13th to 16th. The festival comprises free fringe events (such as gardener's talks and tips) and a series of workshops (we are looking forward to this one on Scent Magic by Isabel Bannerman) with fun for all the family, plus delicious food and drinks stalls, a lovely permanent cafe, and grounds to meander through. 

A truly great day out.

Find the full programme here