WHAT’S ON VISIT SHOP ⌕ ◐ Ⓣ House Where some of the 20th century’s most progressive artists and writers came together to imagine society differently The studio; photograph: Lewis Ronald In 1916, the painter Vanessa Bell and her friend and lover Duncan Grant moved to Charleston along with Duncan’s partner David Garnett. It was the height of the First World War and, as conscientious objectors, Garnett and Grant needed to find farm work to avoid conscription. Almost as soon as they moved in, Bell and Grant began to paint every surface in the farmhouse, transforming it into a living, breathing work of art. Over the following decades, Charleston became a gathering point for some of the 20th century’s most radical artists, writers and thinkers known collectively as the Bloomsbury group. It is where they lived out their progressive social and artistic ideals. Today, it continues to be a place that brings people together to engage with art and ideas. All This week Upcoming Archive Calendar Wednesday–Sunday/Bank Holiday Monday House Visit Explore the art and lives of artists Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and their contemporaries. House Sign up to our newsletter What’s on All House Exhibitions Festivals Events Workshops Garden Archive Visit Plan your visit Contact Admission prices Opening times Getting here Access & facilities Digital guide House Garden Café Shop Visiting FAQs Ideas Stories In focus History People Shop All products Delivery & returns Shop FAQs About About us Team Get involved Press Press releases Support us Manage your account Become a volunteer Venue hire Venue hire ↑ Back to top ⊖ ⊕ ⊗ SHOP SUPPORT US © 2021 The Charleston Trust. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions Privacy Brand identity: Kellenberger–White We use cookies to give you the best online experience. OK Read more Please check our Christmas and New Year opening times before your visit. Last order date for the shop is 14 Dec for UK delivery in time for Christmas. Close