Charleston Trust Tour and Workshop

Explore the art and lives of artists Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and their contemporaries in this exclusive event

BIID members and corporate supporters are invited on a private day out to Charleston – the Bloomsbury home of art and ideas and residence of painters Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and their many famous friends. To keep with the tradition of the boundless creativity that the Bloomsbury Group installed in all their efforts, Charleston is now also home to artists workshops for visitors. To get into the spirit, BIID guests have been invited on a guided tour of the home and gardens before turning a piece of wooden furniture into a painted Bloomsbury style artwork.   

Guests are permitted to book two tickets should they wish to bring a friend or colleague. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

Private Tour of Charleston House

Charleston leaves no surface untouched from the key artists of the Bloomsbury Group; Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and Roger Fry, whom all now occupy a significant place in British art of the early twentieth century. French Post-Impressionism touched both their easel painting and decorative art, while the influence of Mediterranean culture is apparent in the uninhibited colours and patterns of walls, ceramics and furniture decorations.

Lunch in The Threshing Barn, Charleston’s café 

Painted Box Workshop with Melissa White

Take inspiration from the painted interiors at Charleston. Learn the various paint effects and antiquing techniques that can be used to recreate this distinctive look. Transforming final pieces with glazes and waxes to create heirlooms of the future. Melissa White is a celebrated designer and painter of decorative interiors creating bespoke pieces for domestic, commercial and heritage projects. Her many collaborations include working with Zoffany, Andrew Martin, and Kit Kemp to name a few, see more of Melissa's work here

Programme

10.00 welcome teas, coffees and pastries

10.15 private tour 

11.00 workshop part 1 

13.00 lunch and chance to tour the gardens

14.00 workshop part 2, with a quick break for tea & cake mid afternoon

16.00 goodbyes

Charleston exterior c. Penelope Fewster_with canvas.jpg

WHAT TO BRING

Guests will not need to bring anything with them as all materials and refreshments will be provided. 

WHAT YOU WILL LEAVE WITH

An insight into the wonderful poetic landscape of 20th Century adventurers The Bloomsbury Group and a piece of your own hand painted furniture in the Bloomsbury style, perfect for a gift or keepsake. 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This event is open to all our designer member categories and our corporate supporters. 

GETTING TO CHARLESTON

The Charleston Trust has a comprehensive guide to getting to the venue on their website, please click here for details.

If you are taking the train and would like to taxi pool from Lewes Station with other guests, please note this on your registration when prompted. 

Additional information

Advertised prices are not inclusive of VAT 

The ticket price covers the private tour, workshop and all materials, lunch and afternoon tea. Guests will need to organise their own transport to and from the venue. 

If you have any queries, please email the office at info@biid.org.uk or call 020 7628 0255

By booking a ticket to this event you are agreeing to the BIID Event Terms and Conditions

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