Kim Jones Curates Bloomsbury Group Exhibition at Sotheby’s, Showcasing “Radical Modernity” and Personal Collectibles
Kim Jones, the renowned artistic director of Dior men’s and Fendi womenswear and couture, has brought his deep admiration for the Bloomsbury Group to life through a new exhibition at Sotheby’s in London. Titled “Radical Modernity: From Bloomsbury to Charleston,” the exhibition showcases a range of works from iconic Bloomsbury Group figures such as Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant, Roger Fry, and Virginia Woolf.
The exhibit is a collaboration with Charleston Lewes, the historic residence and workspace of Bell and Grant, now a gallery and cultural hub. As a vice president of Charleston, Jones has contributed pieces from his own private collection to the show. His personal connection to the group shines through in his curation, with Jones noting that the Bloomsbury Group’s radical approach to art, fashion, and societal norms has left a lasting mark on future generations.
Visitors to the exhibition will encounter a variety of notable artworks, including Duncan Grant’s self-portrait in a turban and Vanessa Bell’s 1923 painting of Lady Jane Strachey, Grant’s aunt. Also on display is a 1917 portrait of famed economist John Maynard Keynes, set in the Charleston garden.
In addition to these works, the exhibition includes a private sale of personal items tied to the Bloomsbury Group, offering collectors a rare opportunity to own pieces of history. Featured in the auction are Bell’s painting “The Party,” a ceramic plate from Omega Workshops, and an exquisitely embroidered silk robe designed by Percy Wyndham Lewis dating back to 1913-1914.
The exhibit and auction not only celebrate the Bloomsbury Group’s artistic and intellectual legacy but also offer an intimate glimpse into their world through Jones’s own passion and collection.
