The art shuttle bus took Sue and I over to Lewes to the 'new' Charleston in Lewes … a building for exhibitions, community projects, artist-led workshops, gallery activities and educational programs tailored for local state schools, further education and higher education groups …
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| c/o Charleston in Lewes website |
We went to see 'Grayson Perry: A Temple for Everyone' – which I'll post about next … as I need to get my head around explaining it!
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| It was fresh and chilly ... |
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| My pic of her in the staircase foyer |
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| Charleston Farmhouse with pond |
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| In situ - outside Leeds University |
Bell was dumbfounded seeing the lady levitated – thinking it was impossible … but recalled watching the trick … with the lady eventually lying horizontal six feet from the floor.
So inspiration took hold and the completed fibreglass sculpture was placed over the Charleston Farmhouse pond … before being moved, after the War, to Leeds University, where Quentin Bell was a Professor of Fine Art.
Quentin Bell - late in life
I was fascinated to learn about Bell's interest in Maskelyne Cook's (House of Mystery) magic show … and then his crafting and creation of this sculpture … now back in rural Sussex ...
All grist to the mill … I will be back anon …
The Magician's Scapbook - Maskelyne and Cooke: House of Mysteries
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
30 comments:
I didn't know anything about Quentin Bell's own artistic creations but I did love his books. And I loved his connection to Virginia Woolf and to Charleston Farmhouse. Great man!
Hi Hilary...what a beautiful post today. The floating lady wow
Thank you for your kind words on my Kenny G cd was the background music at a baby shower for my favorite cousin's first grandchild.
She was named Ruthie after his Mom who was my favorite aunt Ruth. I had just discovered the cd and loved it too
hugs Cecilia
Hari OM
I think both Bell and Maskelyne might be considered part of that great club, The English Eccentrics! Certainly JM seems to have been a legend in his own mind. The floating sculpture is lovely! YAM xx
Interesting to know the background of the Floating Lady.
Glad you had fun.
Cheers,
I've often wondered how the floating lady trick was done.
“My” Suffragette Jessie Stephen once ran a two penny library and a secretarial agency in Lewes! I’ve never been - interesting to know what it looks like.
@ Hels - I'm glad I gave you some helpful information ...
@ Cecilia - great to see you here - over from Yam's blog. Thanks for the update re the reason for your enjoyment of Kenny G's cd ... I loved his music.
@ Yam - Maskelyne was seemingly very self-centred - yet as you suggest both English eccentrics ... I was pleased to come across the Floating Lady - known as the Levitated Lady ... she was great fun to see close up.
@ Sandra - she was the easy part of the day ... and was a delight to see in situ at the Charleston Centre ...
@ Liz - I think it's explained ... I came across it somewhere as I researched the post ... sorry not sure where!
@ Anabel - oh how interesting ... I must be able to find out something about Jessie Stephen and her time in Lewes - I'll have a root to see if I can find something ... and I can give you an overview of Lewes ...
Cheers to you all - thanks for visiting - it's got cold down here ... take care - Hilary
What an intriguing piece of history behind the Floating Lady sculpture! It's fascinating how Quentin Bell's childhood experience with optical illusions inspired such a unique artwork. The story adds so much depth to the piece, especially knowing it connects to the world of magic and deception. It’s wonderful that the sculpture now has a place back in Sussex, and I’m sure it looked incredible against the spring light. Can’t wait to hear more about the Grayson Perry exhibition too!
I just shared a new post you are invited to read: https://www.melodyjacob.com/2025/03/devils-pulpit-finnich-glen-liars-spring-outlander.html
Have a lovely Thursday!
I love the Floating Lady. What a beautiful work of art. I hadn't heard of Quentin Bell before. Thanks for discussing his connection with the Bloomsbury Group.
Love,
Janie
That sounds like a very fascinating visit! A mixture of history, art, and personal experience! The Floating Lady sculpture is intriguing!
Quentin Bell was completely new to me, Hilary, so I am extra pleased with your fascinating story. The link to magic is especially interesting it seems, and the statue of levitation completely appealing. There is so much to know and see in this world! Ironically, I was talking to a good friend of mine recently, a retired professor of political science, and the subject of magic tricks came up. He made the interesting observation that he has no interest in knowing how it’s done. At eighty-four years old he still wants it to be magic! I’m with him! Hugs - David
Really interesting statue. Back then those tricks were done with wires and boards, but I wonder how they do them now.
Thank you for introducing Quentin Bell, of whom I’d never heard, Hilary. What a talented man! The sculpture is amazing and it’s rare that someone should have such talent in two creative forms. Fascinating!
@ Melody - thanks for your comment ... and good to know you you're looking forward to the Grayson Bell one.
@ Janie - she's an amazing sculpture and though I could see her in Lewes my photo of her in situ wasn't very good from the light point of view. Quentin was the son of Clive Bell, art critic and writer, and Vanessa Bell (Virginia Woolf's sister), painter and interior designer - the Bloomsbury Group are a fascinating 'family' ...
@ Pradeep - it was a good day out ... especially having the shuttle bus available between Eastbourne and Lewes. Yes - I always learn when I visit exhibitions ... and both these were fascinating.
@ David - I was surprised by the magic connection ... and guessed a few commenters would be interested ... so needed to add it in to this post. How wonderful to have that story about your retired professor and his link to his childhood - bliss ... such fun - as we do tend to amble off into our childhood as as we age. Good for him! yes and hugs back ...
@ Alex - so much more available for the magician ... but engrossing for the kids who watch ... and I hope that magic lasts for them ...
@ Val - oh another who hadn't come across Quentin Bell - I probably hadn't before I moved here to Sussex after my return from SA. They are/were a talented avant garde family ...
Thanks so much - cheers to you all - Hilary
Some things really do make an impact on us as children. This story is not at all the same as the one of artist Bruno Catalano but it reminded me of his work for some reason.
Where the human mind wanders constantly amazes me. Bell and the Floating Lady--who would ever think that up.
I wanted to join you on this excursion. Wow - you floated around the day and and topics, then voila! pulled it all together. The sculpture and your posts are magical. Very cool Floating Lady.
The lady lying horizontal needs a lot. of calculation to execute.
@ Rosey - thanks ... yes we remember things as we age don't we ... but thanks for the link to Bruno Catalano - I might do a post about him at some stage ... interesting artist.
@ Jacqui - I know ... where my mind wanders amazes me sometimes - but I'm giving myself an education as blogging takes me ever onwards.
@ Joanne - this was the start of the day ... but I enjoy writing my posts - so thanks ... and remember to wrap them up ...
@ Haddock - great to see you ... well these artists are extraordinary aren't they ...
Cheers to you four - so pleased you enjoy 'the floating lady' and accompanying info ... happy weekends - Hilary
That is so cool, that you have an art shuttle bus. Have a grand weekend. Here's hoping you have purrfect weather.
My son and his friend spent much time in their teens deconstructing magic tricks. As his paternal great-grandfather was a member of the Magic Circle, it was only to be expected, I suppose.
Fascinating Hilary. I've always been interested/curious about theatrical magic. I'm utterly charmed by the Floating Lady - so glad you introduced her to me.
@ Sandra - I know the little bus is wonderful for us ... me especially as I can get to places easily, as I don't have a car any more. It's sunny, clear and cold! - but yes purrfect weather ... ie improving ...
@ Janice - we had a go at home ... but I guess being away at public school - these things were curtailed somewhat. How fascinating to find that you son's great grandfather was a member of the Magic Circle - so as you say no wonder your son and his friend were interested in the various tricks ...
@ Deborah - it's interesting isn't it - how we become interested in differing aspects of life as we grow up - I can see from your postings your direction towards theatrical magic. Thanks re the Floating Lady ... she bemused me.
Cheers to three of you - thanks for your visit - Hilary
Thanks for introducing me to both of them, Hilary! I'm off to do a bit more reading on them. Love the sculpture.
I think it's wonderful that artistic spaces are springing up and bringing art to everyone. The sculpture is mesmerising.
@ Elizabeth - I'm so pleased to see you've had a bit of exploring to do ... makes the posts worthwhile - thank you! The sculpture was fun to see ...
@ Annalisa - yes it is great that there is more culture becoming available for us all to get to and see; while it was great seeing the two exhibitions we saw when we were there - I hope to get the Grayson Perry one up tomorrow ...
Cheers to the two of you - Hilary
Bell sounds multi-talented. Looks like he lived to a ripe ole age:)
Cheers,
Charleston Farmhouse looks like a place I'd love to spend time at.
Cheers,
Hi Sandra - thanks for both these comment ... yes it does look like Quentin Bell was very multi-talented - while Charleston is definitely worth a visit and one to spend time in ... cheers Hilary
I've learned quite a bit from your post Hilary! I was unaware of Charleston in Lewes, I really must pay it a visit.
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