Dr. Jane Goldman and comedian Suzi Ruffell join Greg Jenner to delve into the lives and impact of the Bloomsbury Group, highlighting their bohemian lifestyle, political work, artistic output, and boundary-pushing relationships. They explore the group's association with queer identities, EM Forster's personal life and writings, John Maynard Keynes' influence, the artistic contributions of Vanessa Bell, and the radical impact of the Bloomsbury Group on history.
The Bloomsbury Group promoted progressive ideas in arts and economics, challenging societal norms.
Lady Otterline Morrell's gatherings exemplified the group's openness to diverse ideas and alternative lifestyles.
Deep dives
Bloomsbury Group Overview
The Bloomsbury Group, active in the early 20th century, consisted of intellectuals, academics, and artists like Virginia Woolf, E.M. Forster, and John Maynard Keynes. They challenged societal norms and pushed boundaries in arts and economics, promoting progressive ideas and creative freedom, despite having unconventional personal relationships.
Lady Otterline Morrell's Party
In a key event showcasing the Bloomsbury ethos, Lady Otterline Morrell hosted radical gatherings at her home, supporting pacifists and hosting vibrant and unconventional parties with artists like Picasso. This exemplified the group's openness to diverse ideas and alternative lifestyles.
Innovations and Impact
Members like Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant brought avant-garde art to London, introducing abstract paintings and dynamic visual forms. The Bloomsbury Group's contribution extended to publishing, with Virginia Woolf's Hogarth Press challenging traditional views and promoting feminist literature and queer themes, leaving a lasting influence on arts, literature, and social thought.
Greg Jenner is joined by Dr Jane Goldman and comedian Suzi Ruffell as he travels back a century to1920s London to learn all about the members of the Bloomsbury Group. A collection of intellectuals and artists active in London in the early 20th Century, the Bloomsbury Group included such luminaries as Virginia Woolf, E. M. Forster, and John Maynard Keynes. From their origins at the University of Cambridge to their bohemian lifestyle in London in the 1910s and 20s, and taking in their political work, artistic output, and boundary-pushing relationships, this episode explores the lives, loves and cultural impact of Bloomsbury Group members.
This is a radio edit of the original podcast episode. For the full-length version, please look further back in the feed.
Research by: Madeleine Bracey, Andrew Himmelberg, and Josh Rice
Written by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner
Produced by: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner
Audio Producer: Steve Hankey
Senior Producer: Emma Nagouse
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