The Bloomsbury Group was a group of artistic and intellectual friends. They came of age just as the conservative Victorian era of the 19th century was ending. As a loose and changing mix of people they were searching for new ways of thinking, living and loving. The art, literature and ideas generated by the Bloomsbury Group would have an enormous influence on the rest of the twentieth century, From June to October 2022, works from The Courtauld’s collection joined works in Belfast to tell the story of this important group of artists. 

This exhibition took an introductory look at the Bloomsbury Group, specifically three central artists within it – Vanessa Bell, Roger Fry and Duncan Grant. It also shares work by the Omega workshop, a group of designers who sought to translate the ethos of the Bloomsbury Group into beautiful, tangible objects.

Public programmes relating to the loan included:

• A series of curator led Gallery talks
• A training day for NMNI volunteers introducing art history techniques and the Bloomsbury Group
• A family weekend featuring tours and activities based on the book of woodcut prints included in the exhibition
• Omega Now!, a competition for 14-18 year olds with the winning designs sold on products in the Ulster Museum and Courtauld shops