In Conversation: An Appetite for Bloomsbury, National Portrait Gallery

The curious minded will delight in discovering the intricate domestic details that underpinned the legendary writers, artists and performers of the Bloomsbury Group.

Grace Higgens by Vanessa Bell

Just as an army marches on its stomach, the vibrant collection of creatives that made up the Bloomsbury group needed nourishment. Ever wondered what Virginia Woolf liked for supper, or who cleaned up after Vanessa Bell? The curious minded will delight in discovering the intricate domestic details behind the glamour of Charleston, the Bloomsbury set's country house headquarters,  with the National Gallery’s lecture: An Appetite for Bloomsbury.

Jans Ondaatje, author of The Bloomsbury Cookbook, and Stewart Mackay, whose biography ‘The Angel of Charlston’ tells the story of Vanessa Bell’s housekeeper, will share their expertise on subjects such as what was served for supper and by whom. 

From a foodie perspective this talk gives a fascinating sense of the history of socialising, and from a literary and artistic perspective, these intimate snippets help to build a fuller picture of the legendary mélange of gifted artists, writers, critics and dancers  known as The Bloomsbury Group. 

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What In Conversation: An Appetite for Bloomsbury, National Portrait Gallery
Where National Portrait Gallery, St Martin's Place, London, WC2H 0HE | MAP
Nearest tube Charing Cross (underground)
When On 17 Jul 14, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Price £6
Website Click here to book via Event Brite