Keynes’ Library restoration

The Thomas Cubitt designed terraced houses at 45-47 Gordon Square have long been the home of Birkbeck’s History of Art and Screen Media Department. And hidden behind the pillared façade is one of Bloomsbury’s greatest assets – a striking nineteenth century library named in honour of the property’s former inhabitant and Bloomsbury Group intellectual, John Maynard Keynes. After decades of use as a teaching facility, the room will be refurbished to its former glory following a gift from Birkbeck alumna, Patsy Hickman.

In keeping with the property’s strong artistic and intellectual connections, paintings by Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant have been loaned to Birkbeck by Bell’s daughter, Angelica Garnett, and currently grace the walls of the Keynes Library. The paintings will remain a feature of the room and will serve as a backdrop to the seminars, readings and events that look set to take place once the refurbishment is completed later in the year.