Book Salon with
Fiona McKenzie Johnston

Charlotte Street Hotel

Monday 14th September, 6pm - 7:30pm

Tickets from £35 per person

A painting of a tree-filled garden with a water fountain in the middle. To the left, a women sits reading on a chair and another woman sits on the grass

Join House & Garden Arts Editor and author Fiona McKenzie Johnston in conversation with Laura Freeman, Chief Art Critic at The Times, for an intimate evening celebrating her debut book, ROGER FRY: Bloomsbury and the Invention of Modern Art.

Offering a fresh perspective on one of Britain's most influential yet often overlooked cultural figures, the book explores Roger Fry's remarkable career as a critic, curator, and artist. Fiona traces his pivotal role in introducing modernism to Britain and examines the lasting impact he had on twentieth-century art and the Bloomsbury Group.

A painting by Roger Fry. A woman dressed in a white floaty dress brushing her long red hair, surrounded by flowers

The conversation will take place in the Drawing Room at Charlotte Street Hotel, surrounded by original works by Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant and Roger Fry. Inspired by the artistic legacy of the Bloomsbury Group, the hotel's interiors reflect Kit Kemp's signature style, blending contemporary British elegance with vibrant colour, layered textures, and a thoughtfully curated collection of original art.

Following the discussion, guests will have the opportunity to ask questions before Fiona signs copies of her book. ROGER FRY: Bloomsbury and the Invention of Modern Art will also be available to purchase on the evening from BookBar.

You will also have the chance to sample a selection of cakes, pastries and savoury treats from our new Bloomsbury Group Afternoon Tea, inspired by the flavours and creativity of the era.

Make an evening of it by booking a ticket with a two-course dinner at Oscar, where you can dine surrounded by a mural created as a tribute to the artistic spirit of the Bloomsbury Group.

Tickets

£35 including the talk, a selection of Bloomsbury Group Afternoon Tea treats and an 'Only Connect' cocktail/mocktail
£65 including the talk, a selection of Bloomsbury Group Afternoon Tea treats, an 'Only Connect' cocktail/mocktail and a two-course dinner at Oscar

About ROGER FRY: Bloomsbury and the Invention of Modern Art

Roger Fry (1866–1934) and his role as critic, curator and member of the Bloomsbury Group are explored in this rich and vibrant biography. From his curation of one of the most important collections in New York and groundbreaking exhibitions in London to his launch of the Omega Workshops with Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, Fry introduced Post-Impressionism, radicalised interiors and changed the landscape of twentieth-century art. His introduction of Cézanne, Van Gogh and Matisse to a British audience played a significant role in a legacy that still inspires today.

A black and white photography of artist Roger Fry sat in an armchair

About Fiona McKenzie Johnston

Fiona McKenzie Johnston has an MA in History of Art from the University of St Andrew’s, and has long written on art and interiors for newspapers and magazines including The Telegraph, The Sunday Times, Vogue, AD and House & Garden. Fiona lives on the East Sussex coast, twenty miles from Charleston – the house that, from the First World War onwards, was the Bloomsbury Group’s rural outpost.

Praise for
'ROGER FRY: Bloomsbury and the Invention of Modern Art'

‘In this elegant pen portrait, McKenzie Johnston brings to Fry’s story her characteristic eye for interiors, taste and lives devoted to making and living with art. An inspiring call to artistic arms.’ - Laura Freeman (Chief Art Critic, The Times)

‘Roger Fry is one of the most important figures in twentieth century art and culture. McKenzie Johnston’s
fresh and engaging new biography is essential for anyone interested in the Bloomsbury Group and British
Modernism.' - Nathaniel Hepburn (Director, Charleston)

‘McKenzie Johnston brings Fry vividly to life, capturing the passion, turmoil and brilliance that reshaped
British art forever.’ - Philip Mould, OBE (Art Dealer, Writer and Broadcaster)