Extraordinary tile created & executed in enamels by Vanessa Bell given by her to her sister Virginia Woolf as a Christmas Gift. The multi-coloured tile inscribed with: “Virginia, December 25, 1926”.
Everything that the spirit of Bloomsbury means at its best – A superb example of VB’s artistic talents and in its 36 sq. inches a summation of their close relationship as sisters, author and artist.
This unique artifact epitomizes the bond between two extraordinary sisters, artist and author. Virginia Woolf was still polishing To the Lighthouse in December of 1926 when Vanessa Bell gifted this personalized handmade multi-coloured tile to her.
N.P.(London): Vanessa Bell, 1926. Vanessa Bell. First Edition. [Virginia Woolf] Bell, Vanessa. 1926 EARTHENWARE TILE. n.p., 1926. 6″ x 6″ mounted and framed; entire measurement 11 1/4 by 11 1/4 inches.
The lettering is a rich blue, the decoration in green, purple, brown and black. The tile was auctioned in 2002 as part of the estate of Louie Mayer, the woman who had been the Woolf’s cook at Monk’s House in Lewes for 34 years. It has been in private hands since then.
Could there be anything more captivating? The “Bell Tile” as well as Virginia Woolf’s Walking Stick found on the banks of the River Ouse, were sold at Lewes Auction, March 12th 2002. The Walking Stick now part of the Berg Collection at the New York Public Library. The “Bell Tile” somehow eventually escaped to private hands.
