What was Duncan Grant's full birth name?

Duncan Grant's full birth name was Duncan James Corrowr Grant.

When and where was Duncan Grant born?

Duncan Grant was born on January 21, 1885, in Rothiemurchus, Aviemore, Scotland.

When and where did Duncan Grant die?

Duncan Grant died on May 8, 1978, in Aldermaston, Berkshire, England, at the age of 93.

Who were Duncan Grant's parents, and what was his father's profession?

Duncan Grant's parents were Major Bartle Grant and Ethel Isabel McNeil. His father was a major in the army.

Who was Duncan Grant's paternal grandfather, and what significant role did he hold?

Duncan Grant's grandfather was Sir John Peter Grant, the 12th Laird of Rothiemurchus, who held the titles KCB and GCMG and had served as Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal.

Where did Duncan Grant spend a significant portion of his early childhood?

Between 1887 and 1894, Duncan Grant's family lived in India and Burma, returning to Scotland every two years.

Who provided Duncan Grant's early education, and what was a notable early artistic interest he developed?

Grant was educated by his governess, Alice Bates. He attended Hillbrow School, where an art teacher introduced him to Japanese prints, sparking his interest in art.

Which schools did Duncan Grant attend for his secondary education, and what recognition did he receive?

Grant attended Hillbrow School (Rugby) and St Paul's School in London, where he received several art prizes.

Who encouraged Grant's art studies at Westminster School of Art, and what was his connection to Matisse?

Simon Bussy, a French painter and friend of Matisse, encouraged Grant's studies at Westminster School of Art. Bussy later married Dorothy Strachey, Grant's cousin.

What significant artistic experience did Grant have in Italy during 1904-1905, and whose works did he study?

During a winter trip to Italy, Grant copied parts of the Masaccio frescoes in the Brancacci Chapel in Florence. He was also greatly impressed by the frescoes of Piero della Francesca in Arezzo and studied his work in the Uffizi.

Where did Grant study art in Paris, and what artistic movement did he encounter there?

From 1906, Grant studied at the Académie de La Palette in Paris, funded by a gift from an aunt. There, he saw French Impressionist works, including the Caillebotte bequest at the Musée du Luxembourg.

How many times and when did Duncan Grant attend the Slade School of Art?

Duncan Grant attended the Slade School of Art for a term in the winter of 1907 and again in the summer of 1908.

When did Duncan Grant first meet John Maynard Keynes, and what was the nature of their early relationship?

Grant met John Maynard Keynes in 1907, and by 1908, they were on holiday together in Orkney, where Grant painted a portrait of Keynes. A year later, they shared rooms in London.

How did Grant's visit to Paris in 1909 expose him to influential modern art?

In 1909, Grant visited Leo and Gertrude Stein in Paris, where he saw works by artists like Picasso and Matisse. He also met Matisse himself in Clamart.

How did Duncan Grant become involved with the Bloomsbury Group?

Grant became involved with the Bloomsbury Group through his cousin, Lytton Strachey. He moved to Fitzroy Square in 1909, near Adrian and Virginia Stephen (later Woolf), fostering close friendships within the group.

What significant art exhibition did Grant attend in London in 1910, and what was his particular interest?

In late 1910, Grant attended Roger Fry's Manet and the Post-Impressionists exhibition at the Grafton Galleries, where he was notably interested in the works of Paul Cézanne.

What project involved Grant redecorating a dining room, and what was the theme of his contributions?

In the summer of 1911, Grant was invited by Roger Fry to help redecorate the dining room at the Borough Polytechnic. His contributions included two oil paintings, Football and Bathing, themed around London on Holiday.

What artistic styles and movements influenced Grant's paintings for the Borough Polytechnic murals?

Grant's paintings for the Borough Polytechnic murals were influenced by early Italian art, Byzantine mosaics, and the works of post-impressionist artists.

What was the Dreadnought Hoax, and who were some of its participants?

The Dreadnought Hoax, which occurred in February 1910, involved Duncan Grant, Horace de Vere Cole, Virginia Stephen, and Adrian Stephen disguising themselves as an Abyssinian royal delegation to board the HMS Dreadnought battleship. It was a prank intended to mock the ship, which was the flagship of the Home Fleet.

What role did Duncan Grant play in the Omega Workshops?

After Roger Fry founded the Omega Workshops in 1913, Duncan Grant became its co-director alongside Vanessa Bell.

Describe the nature of Duncan Grant's relationship with Vanessa Bell.

Duncan Grant developed a close creative and personal relationship with Vanessa Bell, eventually moving in with her and her children. They lived together for over 40 years, maintaining a primarily domestic and creative partnership, often painting in the same studio.

What significant event occurred in 1916 related to Grant's personal beliefs and his relationship with David Garnett?

In 1916, in support of his application for recognition as a conscientious objector, Grant and his lover David Garnett set up as fruit farmers in Suffolk.

How did Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell come to live at Charleston?

After their conscientious objector applications were initially unsuccessful, Vanessa Bell found the house named Charleston near Firle in Sussex, where she, Grant, and her children eventually settled.

What was the Famous Women Dinner Service, and who commissioned it?

Between 1932 and 1934, Grant and Bell created the 50-piece Famous Women Dinner Service at Charleston, commissioned by the art historian and museum director Kenneth Clark.

What commission did Duncan Grant receive in 1935, and what was the outcome?

In 1935, Duncan Grant was commissioned to create paintings and fabrics for the first-class Main Lounge of the RMS Queen Mary. However, his work was rejected and ordered removed by the Cunard Line directors shortly after installation.

According to Grant's own words, why was his work rejected for the RMS Queen Mary?

Grant stated that after initial designs were approved and altered, the chairman of the Cunard Line turned down the panels without giving a reason, deeming them unsuitable. His carpet designs were also rejected, and his textiles were not required.

What commission did Grant receive during World War II, and what is a notable painting from this period?

During World War II, Grant received a short-term commission from the War Artists' Advisory Committee. A notable painting from this period is his image of St Paul's Cathedral during the 1941 London Blitz.

What significant commission did Grant undertake in the late 1950s, and who was the model for one of the figures?

In the late 1950s, Grant was commissioned to decorate the Russell Chantry of Lincoln Cathedral. He modeled the figure of Christ in these murals on his lover, Paul Roche.

What happened to the Russell Chantry murals after their creation, and when were they reopened to the public?

The Cathedral authorities closed the Russell Chantry in the 1960s, and it was used as a storeroom. The murals were eventually restored and the space reopened to the public in the 1990s.

Describe Duncan Grant's early romantic and sexual relationships.

Duncan Grant's early affairs were exclusively homosexual. His lovers included his cousin Lytton Strachey, Arthur Hobhouse, and John Maynard Keynes.

How did John Maynard Keynes view his relationship with Duncan Grant?

John Maynard Keynes considered Duncan Grant the love of his life, appreciating his good looks and the originality of his mind.

How did the relationship between Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell evolve, and what was its duration?

Grant and Vanessa Bell developed a deep, long-lasting relationship that began creatively and personally. Although Bell was married, she became pregnant by Grant in 1918. They continued to live together for over 40 years, until Bell's death in 1961, maintaining a primarily domestic and creative partnership.

Who was Angelica Garnett, and who did she believe to be her father?

Angelica Garnett was the daughter of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, born in late 1918. She grew up believing her mother's husband, Clive Bell, was her biological father.

How is Duncan Grant's sexuality described, considering his relationships with both men and women?

Duncan Grant is described as having had relationships with men throughout his life, even while living with Vanessa Bell. His daughter, Angelica Garnett, characterized him as homosexual with bisexual leanings.

Who was Duncan Grant's primary companion in his later years, and what role did he play?

In his later years, Duncan Grant's lover was the poet Paul Roche. Roche took care of Grant, enabling him to maintain his lifestyle at Charleston, and was made a co-heir of Grant's estate.

Where did Duncan Grant die, and where is he buried?

Duncan Grant died in Paul Roche's home in Aldermaston, Berkshire. He is buried beside Vanessa Bell in the churchyard of St Peter's Church, Firle, East Sussex.

In which literary work is Duncan Grant referenced, and by whom?

Duncan Grant is referenced, along with Isadora Duncan and Mary Garden, in Hugh MacDiarmid's poem A Drunk Man Looks at the Thistle (1926).

What was Duncan Grant's primary role or recognition within the Bloomsbury Group?

Duncan Grant was a prominent member of the Bloomsbury Group, an influential circle of artists, writers, and intellectuals in early 20th-century England.

Beyond painting, what other artistic mediums did Duncan Grant work with?

Beyond painting, Duncan Grant also worked as a designer of textiles and pottery, and created theatre sets and costumes.

How did the post-impressionist exhibitions in London influence Grant's artistic development?

The post-impressionist exhibitions mounted in London in 1910 significantly influenced Duncan Grant's painting style, pushing him towards new artistic directions.

What does the image titled Self-Portrait, painted by Duncan Grant in 1920, depict, and where is it located?

The source material includes an image titled Self-Portrait, painted by Duncan Grant in 1920, which is housed at the National Gallery of Scotland.

What does the artwork titled Self-Portrait with Seated Male Nude by Duncan Grant depict, and when was it created?

The source material references a 1908 artwork titled Self-Portrait with Seated Male Nude by Duncan Grant.

What does the sketch titled Seated Male Nude by Duncan Grant depict, and from what period does it date?

The source material shows a sketch by Duncan Grant from 1915-17 titled Seated Male Nude, which is a depiction of David Garnett.

What does the photograph of Duncan Grant and John Maynard Keynes, taken around 1913, show?

The source material features a photograph of Duncan Grant and John Maynard Keynes, taken around 1913, showing them facing each other.

What does Duncan Grant's painting titled St Paul's 1941 depict, and where is it held?

The source material includes an image of Duncan Grant's painting titled St Paul's 1941, which is part of the Imperial War Museum's collection.

What is depicted in the image of Charleston Farmhouse, and why is it significant in relation to Duncan Grant?

The source material contains an image of Charleston Farmhouse in Firle, taken in 2017, which was a significant residence for Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell.

Who are the individuals identified in the photograph of Bloomsbury Group members?

The source material shows a photograph of several Bloomsbury Group members, identified from left to right as Lady Ottoline Morrell, Maria Nys, Lytton Strachey, Duncan Grant, and Vanessa Bell.

What does the image identified as Duncan Grant, 1922, represent?

The source material includes a portrait of Duncan Grant taken in 1922.

What does the image of Duncan Grant's gravestone show, and where is it located?

The source material displays an image of Duncan Grant's gravestone, located at St Peter's Church in West Firle, Sussex, photographed in 2013.

What was the nature of Duncan Grant's relationship with David Garnett?

David Garnett was Duncan Grant's lover, and they lived together in Suffolk while seeking recognition as conscientious objectors. Garnett later married Angelica, Grant's daughter with Vanessa Bell.

Duncan Grant Wiki: Duncan Grant: A Life Woven Through Art and Influence

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Early Life and Formative Years

Scottish Roots and Global Beginnings

Duncan James Corrowr Grant was born on January 21, 1885, in Rothiemurchus, near Aviemore, Scotland. His early childhood was significantly shaped by his family's postings, leading to extended periods spent in India and Burma between 1887 and 1894. These early experiences abroad, coupled with regular returns to Scotland, provided a unique perspective from a young age. His lineage traces back to Sir John Peter Grant, the 12th Laird of Rothiemurchus and a former Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal, indicating a background with connections to both the Scottish gentry and colonial administration.

Foundational Education and Artistic Spark

Grant's formal education began at Hillbrow School, Rugby, where he encountered an art teacher who ignited his interest in Japanese prints. He later attended St Paul's School in London, where he received several art prizes. Crucially, during his school holidays, he spent time at Hogarth's House with his grandmother, Lady Grant. It was through his aunt, Lady Strachey, that Grant's parents were persuaded to allow him to pursue formal art education. This period laid the groundwork for his future artistic endeavors, exposing him to both academic instruction and the broader cultural influences that would shape his aesthetic sensibilities.

Artistic Training and European Immersion

Formal Studies in London and Paris

Grant's artistic journey gained momentum with his enrollment at the Westminster School of Art in 1902, where he studied for three years. Encouraged by the French painter Simon Bussy, Grant's exposure to European art deepened significantly. He visited Italy in 1904-05, meticulously copying frescoes by Masaccio in Florence and studying the works of Piero della Francesca. Later, he spent a year in Paris (1906) studying at the Académie de La Palette and immersing himself in the collections of French Impressionists at the Musée du Luxembourg. These formative experiences were crucial in developing his artistic vocabulary and understanding of modern art movements.

Post-Impressionist Encounters

Further solidifying his artistic foundation, Grant attended the Slade School of Art in 1907 and again in 1908. His exposure to avant-garde art extended to visits with Leo and Gertrude Stein in Paris, where he encountered works by Picasso and Matisse. A pivotal moment was his personal meeting with Henri Matisse himself in Clamart. In London, he was profoundly influenced by Roger Fry's groundbreaking exhibitions of Post-Impressionist art, particularly the works of Paul Cézanne. These encounters with leading figures and movements of European modernism were instrumental in shaping Grant's distinctive style.

The Bloomsbury Nexus

Foundations and Fitzroy Square

Grant's introduction to Vanessa Stephen (later Bell) in 1905 marked the beginning of a significant personal and artistic connection. By November 1909, he had moved to 21 Fitzroy Square, London, placing him in close proximity to Adrian and Virginia Stephen. This geographical proximity fostered deep friendships and intellectual exchange, laying the groundwork for the formation of the Bloomsbury Group. Grant's interactions within this circle, including his early relationships with figures like Lytton Strachey and John Maynard Keynes, cemented his position within this influential intellectual and artistic milieu.

Omega Workshops and Creative Collaboration

In 1913, Roger Fry established the Omega Workshops, an influential design and craft collective. Duncan Grant, alongside Vanessa Bell, became a co-director. This venture provided a platform for artists to experiment with decorative arts, including textiles, ceramics, and furniture design. Grant's involvement with the Omega Workshops underscored his versatility beyond painting, demonstrating his commitment to integrating art into everyday life. His creative partnership with Vanessa Bell, which evolved into a lifelong domestic and artistic collaboration, was central to the ethos and output of the workshops and the broader Bloomsbury movement.

Artistic Provocation and Social Commentary

Grant was also involved in notable acts of artistic provocation. In 1910, he participated in the infamous Dreadnought Hoax, orchestrated by Horace de Vere Cole, where he and others disguised themselves as an Abyssinian delegation to board a Royal Navy battleship. This event, which garnered significant press attention, highlighted the group's penchant for challenging societal norms and authority through artistic and social commentary. Such actions reflected the Bloomsbury Group's broader ethos of intellectual and artistic liberation.

Artistic Output and Evolution

Painting: Landscapes, Portraits, and Abstraction

Duncan Grant is primarily celebrated for his distinctive painting style, which evolved significantly following his exposure to French Post-Impressionism. His work often features vibrant color palettes and a fluid, sometimes abstract, approach to form. He produced numerous landscapes, portraits, and still lifes, frequently depicting scenes from his life and surroundings, including Charleston Farmhouse and its inhabitants. His style demonstrated a continuous engagement with modernist principles, blending representational elements with expressive use of color and composition.

Design: Textiles, Ceramics, and Murals

Grant's artistic practice extended far beyond the canvas. He was a prolific designer of textiles, ceramics, and theatre sets and costumes. His work for the Omega Workshops exemplified his skill in decorative arts. Notable commissions included murals for the Borough Polytechnic, reflecting themes of 'London on Holiday,' and significant contributions to the RMS Queen Mary, although these were controversially rejected. Later in his career, he created murals for the Russell Chantry of Lincoln Cathedral, modeling the figure of Christ on his lover, Paul Roche. These diverse applications of his artistic vision highlight his role as a versatile practitioner of modern design.

War Art and Cathedral Commissions

During World War II, Grant received a commission from the War Artists' Advisory Committee. His painting, St Paul's Cathedral during the Blitz (1941), captured the resilience of London during wartime, offering a poignant perspective from the ruins of a nearby building. This work demonstrates his ability to engage with significant historical events through his artistic lens. His later commission for Lincoln Cathedral further showcased his enduring capacity for large-scale public art, integrating religious iconography with his characteristic style.

Personal Life and Relationships

Early Romantic Connections

Grant's early romantic life was primarily focused on relationships with men. Notable among these were his connections with Lytton Strachey, Arthur Hobhouse, and John Maynard Keynes. Keynes, in particular, held Grant in high esteem, considering him the love of his life due to his striking appearance and intellectual originality. These relationships were integral to Grant's immersion into the Bloomsbury Group, fostering deep friendships and intellectual bonds that profoundly influenced his life and work.

Partnership with Vanessa Bell

A pivotal relationship in Grant's life was his enduring partnership with Vanessa Bell. Despite Grant's established homosexual inclinations, their relationship blossomed into a deep creative and personal bond. They eventually lived together at Charleston Farmhouse, raising Bell's two sons from her marriage to Clive Bell, and later their own daughter, Angelica, born in 1918. While their sexual relationship reportedly ceased before Angelica's birth, they maintained a close domestic and artistic collaboration for over 40 years until Bell's death in 1961. This unique arrangement exemplified the unconventional dynamics within the Bloomsbury circle.

Navigating Open Relationships

Grant and Bell's relationship was characterized by an open structure, allowing Grant to pursue relationships with other men. He maintained several significant affairs and relationships, including a notable one with David Garnett, who later married their daughter Angelica. In his later years, the poet Paul Roche became Grant's devoted companion and caregiver, remaining a significant presence in his life until Grant's death. Grant's personal life, marked by complex and enduring relationships, reflected the progressive and often unconventional attitudes towards sexuality and partnership prevalent within the Bloomsbury Group.

Enduring Influence and Recognition

A Pillar of British Modernism

Duncan Grant remains a seminal figure in the history of British art. His association with the Bloomsbury Group, his pioneering work in painting and decorative arts, and his long and prolific career cemented his status as a key contributor to early 20th-century modernism. His artistic style, characterized by its vibrant palette and fluid forms, influenced subsequent generations of artists. His collaborative spirit and engagement with various artistic disciplines underscore his multifaceted contribution to the cultural landscape.

Charleston Farmhouse and Artistic Heritage

The Charleston Farmhouse in Sussex, where Grant lived and worked for much of his life with Vanessa Bell, stands as a testament to their artistic legacy. Now a museum and cultural center, it preserves the environment where much of their creative output was realized. Grant's works are held in major collections worldwide, including the Tate, the National Gallery of Scotland, and the Imperial War Museum, ensuring his continued recognition and study by art historians and enthusiasts.

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References

Angelica Garnett, Deceived with Kindness (1984) p. 33 (in 1995 edition)

A full list of references for this article are available at the Duncan Grant Wikipedia page

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Duncan Grant: A Life Woven Through Art and Influence

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Early Life and Formative Years 🌱

🌍 Scottish Roots and Global Beginnings

📚 Foundational Education and Artistic Spark

Artistic Training and European Immersion 🎓

🏛️ Formal Studies in London and Paris

💡 Post-Impressionist Encounters

The Bloomsbury Nexus 🔗

🤝 Foundations and Fitzroy Square

🎨 Omega Workshops and Creative Collaboration

🎭 Artistic Provocation and Social Commentary

Artistic Output and Evolution 🖌️

🖼️ Painting: Landscapes, Portraits, and Abstraction

🧵 Design: Textiles, Ceramics, and Murals

🏛️ War Art and Cathedral Commissions

Personal Life and Relationships ❤️

👬 Early Romantic Connections

👩‍❤️‍👨 Partnership with Vanessa Bell

⚖️ Navigating Open Relationships

Enduring Influence and Recognition 🌟

🏛️ A Pillar of British Modernism

📍 Charleston Farmhouse and Artistic Heritage

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Early Life and Formative Years

Scottish Roots and Global Beginnings

Foundational Education and Artistic Spark

Artistic Training and European Immersion

Formal Studies in London and Paris

Post-Impressionist Encounters

The Bloomsbury Nexus

Foundations and Fitzroy Square

Omega Workshops and Creative Collaboration

Artistic Provocation and Social Commentary

Artistic Output and Evolution

Painting: Landscapes, Portraits, and Abstraction

Design: Textiles, Ceramics, and Murals

War Art and Cathedral Commissions

Personal Life and Relationships

Early Romantic Connections

Partnership with Vanessa Bell

Navigating Open Relationships

Enduring Influence and Recognition

A Pillar of British Modernism

Charleston Farmhouse and Artistic Heritage

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice