At Charleston Farmhouse They Loved to Paint ... Everything!
Art to live with from a fascinating family in 20th-century Sussex, England
In May I joined a webinar, Charleston Farmhouse. I’ve always wanted to visit this home of early 20th century artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant where they painted surfaces everywhere, doors, firewood boxes, curtains and tabletops. And of course, Virginia Woolf’s book covers.
Virginia was Vanessa’s sister. Virginia and Leonard Woolf’s home, Monk’s House, was less than 10 miles from Charleston. I should add here that Vanessa’s husband Clive, a writer and art critic, also lived at Charleston with Vanessa and Duncan. I mention all this just to hint at the fascinating story of the talented, tangled extended family that became known as Bloomsbury.
Below is a photo of Charleston Farmhouse showing the studio window on the top left that was added for Vanessa Bell in 1939.
Inside, the patterns, colors and furnishings in this farmhouse are said to give today’s visitor an uplifting, welcoming feeling. The matte paint they loved to use doesn’t appear as lifeless as you might expect. It energizes, such as in a yellow wall that’s over-painted with green.
I find this inspiring. Why not decorate the space you live in with the materials you have and the colors you love? Vanessa and Duncan even decorated (painted designs on) the houses they rented.
Below is a small pillow from my mother’s house. The pattern resembles Vanessa’s designs (c. 1915) for the Omega Workshops, where the artists’ mission was to sell original, modern furnishings to people of everyday income.
One of the presenters of the Selvedge Magazine webinar, Annie Sloan, offered advice to any hesitant artist-crafter. She said,
Just do it. Walk away. Come back the next day. It may be wonderful!
We must share stories one day over high tea!!! I have some 1st editions you would love to see!!!
What a great piece, Deda! Loved the 'Farmhouse" when there a few years ago...and what an interesting network of friends, relatives and lovers this group was. Have you read Deceived with Kindness by Angelica Garnett, Vanessa's daughter (by Duncan Grant ) not Clive Bell? Have been to Sissinghurst several times and during one of the first vists, had the great good fortune to meet Vita's son Nigel (author of Portrait of a Marriage). Loved your story!! Keep up the good postings!