Date Published: 28th May 2018

Charleston sparkled in the sunshine today as the annual literary festival came to a close. And Alexander too was on sparkling form for their final event, sponsored by NFU Mutual. Charleston, the former East Sussex home of Bloomsbury artists Vanessa bell and Duncan grant, was a meeting place for some of the major creators and thinkers of the 20th century. Today it is the setting for one of the most enjoyable festivals in the UK. 

Alexander was in safe hands with the writer, journalist and broadcaster Nicolette Jones as his interlocutor and together they laughed and talked and entertained the audience for over an hour with their friendly discussion.

The grounds and gardens before and after the event offered peace and space for thought amidst the heady smells of Spring flowers in full bloom. And a tour of the house offered a real insight into the lives and lifestyle of those who had lived there—Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant—and the relatives and friends who shared their home. Each hand-painted room revealed a little more of their stories—the original furniture, the art collection gathered from around the world, the walls of books, and their studio.

This was the closing event of the Charleston Festival for 2018 and the end of eleven days for a very hard working team.