If you head North East from Brighton towards Lewes, then turn right along the A27, you will come to a small village called Firle. It is here, down a long drive, where you will find one of Sussex's real treasures; Charleston Farmhouse.
It was to here in 1916 that painters Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell moved to set-up their studios. They painted the walls rather than buy wallpaper, and decorated cheap second-hand furniture bought from local junk shops. It was this 'frugality' and desire to decorate that has made Charleston the house it is today.
We were discussing Charleston, the Bloomsbury group, and other related matters over dinner last night, and of course out came my treasured book about the house. The book was co-written by Quentin Bell and his daughter Virginia Nicholson. Sadly Bell died shortly before the book was published, and in her 1998 dedication to me she writes 'from one of the authors, and in memory of the other, best wishes etc'.
The photo below shows Cro, yesterday evening, reading her letter to me.
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The house has a fascinating history, everyone of artistic importance of the early 20th C visited, including Maynard Keynes, Lytton Strachey, Virginia Woolf, etc.
For me the best bit is the interior's painted furniture. One of the few bits not to be painted are Roger Fry's six Omega Workshop dining chairs. However, the table that they surround is painted; I suspect by Grant.
If you're in the area, the house is well worth a visit. It's not exactly Blenheim or Chatsworth, but if you're a Bloomsbury fan; your visit is essential. Check for opening hours.
Fascinating. I had never heard of this house before but now if I am ever down in Sussex again, I will make a point of visiting Charleston.
ReplyDeleteYou must YP, it's a gem.
DeleteAre there online photos of the house and furniture? I'll never get to see it in person.
ReplyDeleteHave a look on Google Images. I'm sure they'll have plenty.
DeleteI would love to visit there..perhaps when we visit family next we may divert our journey from Kent to Somerset via Charleston
ReplyDeleteYou'd love it. Very bohemian and eccentric.
DeleteThey didn't worry about no heating and cold, they just put on another layer of clothing. They were all very poor at the time. Great people who knew how to enjoy themselves.
ReplyDeleteSounds like us. Another jumper and scarf, and all is well.
DeleteCharleston has become almost an industry - website here: https://www.charleston.org.uk/
ReplyDeleteThe house was always rented by them, which was why they never paid out much re home improvements. They probably could have afforded to - Vanessa certainly had a private income from her father's estate, and 'visitors' like Keynes paid rent for his regular room.
Their reasons for going there in the first place were not just artistic. In working on the land, Grant escaped both the army and jail.
Sometimes I wish I'd not read as much about them as it can take off the gloss!
The wife of a very good friend of mine looked after Duncan during his final days. I've never asked her about him; I must.
DeleteIt appears you have a nice connection to Charlestown House. Undoubtedly, I would enjoy a visit. Their listing of upcoming events are outstanding. Combining: Creativity, exploration, inspiration, education and most important delight.
ReplyDeleteI have no connection with Charleston, other than it's quite close to my UK home, and being a fellow painter such things are of interest. If you're ever over this way you should visit.
DeleteI used to read quite a bit about the Bloomsbury set and I don't remember mention of the house. Interesting.
ReplyDeleteCharleston became their country retreat; along with a few other notable homes..
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