‘Paul Hamlyn: An Oral History’ published
Paul Hamlyn Foundation has published an audio documentary on the life of Paul Hamlyn (1926 – 2001) as told through a collection of interviews with close friends, family, colleagues and associates.
The publication of ‘Paul Hamlyn: An Oral History’ tells the story of one of the great figures of twentieth-century publishing and philanthropy through the voices of some of those who knew him best. Also included are interviews with some of the people to have benefitted from Paul Hamlyn’s legacy.
The audio documentary is narrated by Camilla Whitworth-Jones, a former colleague at the Foundation, and produced by Merilyn Harris.
‘Paul Hamlyn: An Oral History’ takes listeners back to Paul Hamlyn’s early life as an immigrant in the UK, after his family fled Nazi Germany. It details his early bookselling career in London, through to the international expansion of his business and major impact on the modern book trade. Featured interviews include Paul Hamlyn’s lifelong friend Claus Moser (a trustee of PHF), early employee Richard Baldwyn and first managing director Philip Jarvis. Also featured is Marguerite Patten, author of the first ever cookery book to have full colour on every page. Published Hamlyn Books in 1960, Marguerite Patten’s ‘Cookery in Colour’ marked a significant breakthrough in publishing and sold millions.
The history recounts the origin of the ‘Paul Hamlyn performances’ at the Royal Opera House (ROH), in which subsidised tickets enabled thousands to have their first experience of opera. It includes an account from Sir Jeremy Isaacs, previously General Director of the ROH. The documentary also draws upon interviews with politicians Neil Kinnock and David Blunkett, Paul Hamlyn’s Australian colleagues Neil Balnaves and Shirley McEwin, and many others.
The documentary recalls the establishment of the Foundation in 1987, built on Paul Hamlyn’s commitment to opening up the arts and education to everyone, particularly young people, and maximising opportunities for individuals and communities. Begun by Paul Hamlyn with an initial donation of £50 million, the bequest of most of his estate in 2001 has enabled the Foundation to continue to build on his past approaches.
Some individuals to speak of the benefit to their organisation of receiving a grant from PHF include Victor Ecclestone, previously director of a Bristol arts charity Multi A, and Philip Hedley, who ran the Theatre Royal Stratford East. The documentary also follows the expansion of the Foundation’s work to include a Social Justice programme, focused on supporting marginalised individuals at times of transition, and a programme of support for NGOs in India.
Listen to ‘Paul Hamlyn: An Oral History’ here.