Perch in Bohemia: Art, Love and Life in Chelsea's Swan Court 1931-1961

Swan Court, a modern block of flats in Chelsea, was the first of its kind in the inter-war years. It attracted an eclectic mix of residents, including war widows, artists, and film stars. A Perch in Bohemia explores the lives and work of these early residents, a group of Modernist artists, actors, and writers with a mix of politics and controversy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2020
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

Swan Court, a residential complex in Chelsea during the interwar years, holds a significant place in history. It was the inaugural modern block of flats constructed in the area, offering a fresh and practical living arrangement to Londoners seeking a departure from the extravagant opulence of Edwardian mansion flats. The buildings, which opened in 1931, attracted a diverse clientele, including war widows, struggling artists, film stars, renowned actors, and fashionable designers. This unique mix of flats, maisonettes, and artist studios created a vibrant community that celebrated creativity and individuality.

A Perch in Bohemia delves into the lives and artistic endeavors of a group of early residents who called Swan Court home. These individuals were a captivating mix of talented Modernist artists, actors, and writers, infused with a touch of extremist politics. Their stories, spanning from avant-garde art to political disillusionment, free love to Fascism, vividly capture the innovations and obsessions of an extraordinary era. Through their bold and sometimes controversial narratives, the book offers a captivating glimpse into the lives and times of these remarkable individuals, shedding light on the vibrant and dynamic cultural landscape of the 1940s and 1950s.

Weight: 344g
Dimension: 138 x 215 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838594244