Queer Charleston x Erotic Drawings: Free House Visit

An intimate, after-hours chance to explore the queer circle of artists and writers who imagined new ways of working, living and loving here at Charleston.

Immerse yourself in the queer history of the house and the people who lived here.

Enjoy an intimate, after-hours chance to learn about this queer circle of artists and writers who imagined new ways of working, living and loving here at Charleston. There will also be a chance to see a selection of Duncan Grant’s erotic drawings.

On 2 May 1959, artist Duncan Grant gave to his friend Edward le Bas a folder marked ‘these drawings are very private.’ Inside was a collection of over four hundred erotic illustrations that express Grant’s lifelong fascination with the joy and beauty of queer sexual encounters. It was thought that Le Bas’ sister had destroyed them after he had died. They were in-fact rescued and have remained in private hands ever since, a secret collection passed from lover to lover, friend to friend, for 60 years. Gifted to Charleston in 2020, this is your chance to see the beauty of these remarkable drawings up close.

Free house visits are available exclusively for Queer Bloomsbury audiences. Please book your timed entry slot.