Very Private?

About

Exploring themes of sex, intimacy, gender and identity, this exhibition presents a selection of Duncan Grant's recently discovered erotic drawings alongside responses by six contemporary artists – Somaya Critchlow, Harold Offeh, Kadie Salmon, Tim Walker, Alison Wilding and Ajamu X.

Drawn during the 1940s and 50s when sex between men was still illegal in England, these private drawings by Grant were previously feared lost. Instead, they were secretly passed down through the queer community, from lover to lover, friend to friend.

Wildly imaginative, intimate, sensual and fun, the drawings have garnered attention from around the world since they were gifted to Charleston in October 2020. From watercolour, collage and photography to sculpture and video, the new contemporary responses to the drawings examine the struggle between private and public, sexual liberation, prejudice and love.

This exhibition includes depictions of sex acts.