First, there was the conference. Then came the party. In London. With the Woolfs.
On the Monday evening following days one, two, three, and four of the 27th Annual International Conference on Virginia Woolf, Cecil Woolf and Jean Moorcroft Wilson hosted a party in London for their visiting Woolfian friends who remained in town.
I was happy to be among them. But I was chagrined to arrive on their doorstep 20 minutes early due to lightning fast service by my Uber driver.
Cecil and Jean, however, didn’t blink when they answered my too-early knock. They ushered me in and escorted me up the stairs, past stacks of books from their Bloomsbury Heritage Series and a smattering of hats from Jean’s famous collection.
Cecil poured me a glass of wine and settled me in their persimmon-colored sitting room that is casually decorated with original Bloomsbury art by Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant. It was magical.
Cecil and Jean are tremendous hosts who know how to make each guest feel specially welcome, no matter when they arrive. They created a wonderful evening full of camaraderie, good food, and drink, while introducing us to their daughter Emma Woolf, author of numerous books and a regular BBC contributor.
Afterward, when thinking about the evening, a quote came to mind that perfectly captures the mood and magic of the evening.
No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but oneself. – Virginia Woolf, A Room of One’s Own (1929)
Cecil Woolf and Jean Moorcroft Wilson hosted a post-conference party at their London home, which also houses Cecil Woolf Publishers.
This side table decorated by Duncan Grant held appetizers, as well as my little Virginia. #travelswithvirginiawoolf
Cecil Woolf and daughter Emma Woolf at the party.
Louise Higham, Suzanne Bellamy, John McCoy, and Eleanor McNees (far right) were among the party guests.
A firescreen painted by Duncan Grant.
Bloomsbury art above the fireplace, along with a piece by Suzanne Bellamy and a photo of Jean.
Judith Allen and her husband Steve.
More Bloomsbury art.
