In the breathtaking Sussex countryside of the South Downs, Berwick Church is a must-see destination for all travelers who are interested in the artists and writers associated with the Bloomsbury Group. On my most recent journey to England, I continued the pilgrimage that began in May of 2010.
South Downs © Alice Joyce
South Downs: Berwick Church in the distance.
Berwick Church Interior © Alice Joyce
The clear glass windows of Berwick Church replaced the Victorian windows destroyed by bombs during World War II. Verdant floral arrangements are installed throughout the church during Springtime’s Light of Light Flower Festival.
Pulpit: Duncan Grant ’62 © Alice Joyce
A forward-thinking Bishop with an appreciation for the Arts chose to commission the 20th century murals that adorn the church, hiring British artist Duncan Grant, together with Vanessa Bell (Virginia Woolf’s sister), and her son, Quentin Bell. Below: The original pulpit panels painted by Vanessa Bell were vandalized in 1962. Daughter Angelica Bell designed the replacement artwork.
Panel Mural by Angelica Bell © Alice Joyce
Berwick Church Mural: Annunciation by Vanessa Bell, with Angelica Bell as the model for Mary. The garden of Charleston Farmhouse inspired the walled garden depicted in the mural.
Berwick Church © Alice Joyce
The 12th century Berwick Church is sited near an ancient landscape mound.
“Renaissance Circular Windows” painted by Grant and Bell in the so-called Italianisation of the church.
Chancel Murals by D. Grant © Alice Joyce
‘Day and Night’ murals call upon images of the pond at Charleston Farmhouse, home to Grant and Bell.
Climbing Rose (© Alice Joyce)
More BLOOMSBURY in Sussex: Virginia Woolf’s Gardens at Monk’s House
Charleston Farmhouse – Home of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant
This is a beautiful church. Love the architecture.
Fab contribution to the Bloomsbury Archive, Alice.
One of my major tasks on retirement is to read the complete diaries and letters of Virginia Woolf. Then I move onto Pepys and The Lisle Letters! Then I expect I’ll die!
Great pics.
Best
R
When in Europe it is always lovely to see old structures and undulating farms. I haven’t been to UK but i always associate in my mind the lovely farms like that first photo. Thanks for letting us have a little bit of the tour with you.
Andrea, Happy you’ve enjoyed this bit of the landscape in the garden of England.
Robert,
Pepys! Woolf, yes.
I’ll have to look up The Lisle Letters, and get back to you.
Thanks, Donna.
I’m fascinated by architecture that’s historic, and contemporary, as well.