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.