Biography Central

For this episode, we were delighted to welcome Iraklis Kolokotronis, Head of Early Years and Children's Services for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Listen in as Iraklis talks to Claudia about Not My Father's Son by actor and activist Alan Cumming. Iraklis discusses why he chose this memoir of a traumatic childhood and its aftermath, and what it meant for him. He also tells us about Cumming's importance to the LGBTQIA+ community, and gives us an insight into the thriving Proud Network. Please be aware that this episode contains references to child abuse.

Naomi Kelly from Victoria Library is our guest for this episode. Join her and Claudia as we discuss The Five by Hallie Rubenhold, which uncovers the lives of the five women killed by the unidentified murderer known as "Jack the Ripper". What does this book have to teach us about the lives of women in Victorian London, and how has it made us question the ways in which these terrible crimes and their victims have been viewed over the decades?

For Pride month, discover the story of John Menlove Edwards, a man of extraordinary physical and moral courage.

Join Claudia and Jackie as they share their fascination with the extraordinary Amy Ashwood Garvey. What did her biography by Tony Martin reveal about her life, her relationship with Marcus Garvey, and her connection to our borough, and how did learning about her lead us to revisit one of the most painful moments of our local history?

Join Claudia and guest Tim Reid of Westminster Archives for a discussion of J. R. R. Tolkien. Tim talks about the impact of encountering Tolkein's work at a young age, and how it led him to his first experience of reading serious biography.

Join Jackie and Claudia as they mark Women's History Month by discussing the biographies of two fascinating women who have inspired them personally. What does it mean to be inspired by someone's story?

Join Claudia and Jackie as they commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of the great French writer Colette by discussing her radiant memoir My Mother's House.

In the Special Collection of Biographies at Kensington Central Library, we are commemorating the centenary of the death of Marcel Proust on November 18th. In this episode, Claudia looks at a fascinating figure who frequented the glamorous world of La Belle Epoque which Proust described in his novels.  Discover the bizarre life of Therese Humbert, through a dip into Hilary Spurling's biography La Grande Therese.  Swindler and conwoman extraordinaire, Therese built a sparkling world and drew many of the great and good into it - when it was discovered that it was built on an intricate web of lies, her downfall was catastrophic.  You can see our display on Proust and his world in Kensington Central Library, and follow our blog at https://rbkclibraries.wordpress.com/2022/11/13/biographies-from-the-basement-marcel-proust/

Join Claudia Jessop and Jackie Hastick as they discuss another fascinating biography from the Special Collection of Biographies at Kensington Central Library in London.  For Black History Month, discover the remarkable poet, playwright, broadcaster and activist Una Marson as described by Delia Jarrett-Macauley in Una Marson 1905-65, Manchester University Press, 1998 and 2010.

In this episode, Claudia Jessop and Jackie Hastick discover the amazing life and important legacy of painter Beauford Delaney.