Our final guest for season 1 is Ian Dunt, a British political journalist. He hosts Origin Story with Dorian Lynskey and is the author of “How to be a Liberal”, “Brexit: What the Hell Happens Now?” and “How Westminster Works…And Why it Doesn’t”.
The plaque he chose is at 18 Kensington Square, South Kensington and reads: John Stuart Mill, 1806-1873, philosopher, lived here. We spoke about Mill's difficult childhood; why his ideas on politics, society, ethics and philosophy remain influential; his career at the British East India Company; and the impact his wife had on his ideas and work.
The Blue Plaque Pod is brought to you by Kassia St. Clair, author, cultural historian and commemorative plaque fancier. I would love to know what you think, whether you have a favourite plaque, or if there's someone you think would make a great guest. Get in touch at blueplaquepod.com.
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32:54
S1 Ep 8 Irenosen Okojie on Pablo Fanque
Irenosen Okojie is the Nigerian-British author of Butterfly Fish and the short story collections, Speak Gigantular and Nudibranch. She co-presented the BBC's Turn Up for The Books podcast, she’s vice chair of the Royal Society of Literature and was a judge for the 2023 Women's Prize for Fiction.
The plaque she chose is on Lands Lane in Leeds and reads: "Pablo Fanque. Born William Darby, he was the first Black circus owner in Britain. He regularly performed in Leeds. On 18th March 1848, near to this location in King Charles’ Croft, his circus building collapsed causing the death of his wife Susannah. Both are now buried in the Leeds General Cemetery. 1810-1871". We spoke about the cultural power of the circus during the 19th century, Fanque's entry into the circus and equestrian talent and how and why he appeared in a Beatles song lyric.
The Blue Plaque Pod is brought to you by Kassia St. Clair, author, cultural historian and commemorative plaque fancier. I would love to know what you think, whether you have a favourite plaque, or if there's someone you think would make a great guest. Get in touch at blueplaquepod.com.
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27:00
S1 Ep 7 Andrew Cotter on Edward Whymper
Andrew Cotter has been working as a sports broadcaster - primarily for the BBC - for over 20 years. He is also known for his two very good dogs, Olive and Mabel, whose antics he filmed and commentated on during the Covid 19 pandemic.
The plaque he chose is at 82 Waldegrave Road in Teddington and reads: Edward Whymper 1840-1911, mountaineer, lived here 1907-1911. Whymper was the first person to scale the Matterhorn, a feat he achieved in 1865 on his eighth attempt. We discussed this notorious ascent, in which four of his teammates died, the character and drive of sportsmen, the lure of the mountains and how Cotter feels about Whymper and his blue plaque.
The Blue Plaque Pod is brought to you by Kassia St. Clair, author, cultural historian and commemorative plaque fancier. I would love to know what you think, whether you have a favourite plaque, or if there's someone you think would make a great guest. Get in touch at blueplaquepod.com.
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32:00
S1 Ep 6 Kit Kemp on Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant
Kit Kemp is an interior designer, the founder and creative director of Kit Kemp Design Studio and Firmdale Hotels. She’s known for championing British art and craft and for her colourful, eclectic and much-imitated style.
The plaque she has chosen is at 46 Gordon Square, Bloomsbury and reads: "Vanessa Bell 1879-1961 Duncan Grant 1885-1978 artists lived and worked here". They were artists, but they were also linchpins of the group of intellectuals, writers and artists known as the Bloomsbury Set. We discussed the relationship between Bell and Grant, their place in the Bloomsbury Set and their creative partnership.
The Blue Plaque Pod is brought to you by Kassia St. Clair, author, cultural historian and commemorative plaque fancier. I would love to know what you think, whether you have a favourite plaque, or if there's someone you think would make a great guest. Get in touch at blueplaquepod.com.
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25:23
S1 Ep 5 Albert Muzquiz on Beau Brummell
Albert Muzquiz, aka @edgyalbert, is a content creator, stylist, and fashion historian who produces popular and educational vintage clothing and style content on TikTok, Instagram and Youtube.
The plaque he has chosen is at 4 Chesterfield Street, Mayfair, London and reads: "Beau Brummell, 1778-1840, Leader of Fashion lived here". We spoke about Brummell's turbulent relationship with the Prince of Wales, his habit of insulting his social superiors and what vintage jeans he might choose to wear if he lived today.
The Blue Plaque Pod is brought to you by Kassia St. Clair, author, cultural historian and commemorative plaque fancier. I would love to know what you think, whether you have a favourite plaque, or if there's someone you think would make a great guest. Get in touch at blueplaquepod.com.
Encounters with the people of the past in the places of the present. A history podcast about people and the places where they lived, loved, worked and died. Delivered in punchy and illuminating 30-minute episodes, hosted by the bestselling author Kassia St Clair.
South Africa