“In any civilised community the arts... must occupy a central place. Their enjoyment should not be regarded as something remote from everyday life” ⁠
⁠
What a quote - what a woman!⁠
⁠
Jennie Lee was an MP before she was old enough to vote. She was the first Minister for the Arts and the main drive behind the formation of the Open University. ⁠ She was also married to Nye Bevan, father of the NHS.

We think we'd have liked Jennie. How could you not like someone who said:⁠
⁠
“Better to enjoy and suffer than sit around with folded arms. You know the only true prayer? Please God, lead me into temptation.”⁠
⁠

Marianne McNamara is Artistic Director of Mikron Theatre Company, currently touring with "Operation Beach Hut" and "Hush, Hush" (the latter about the women of Bletchley Park) and are on the road river until October 2025.

Dr Daniel Weinbren is a lecturer in history at the Open University and is the author of the history of the Open University

Further reading:

Jennie Lee: a Life - by Patricia Hollis

The Open University: A History - by Daniel Weinbren

My Life with Nye - by Jennie Lee

NYE: The Political Life of Aneurin Bevan - by Nick Thomas-Symonds

Before the Arts Council: campaigns for state funding of the arts in Britain 1934-1944 - by Howard Webber

Social media and website links:

https://profiles.open.ac.uk/daniel-weinbren

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-weinbren-2b257521a

https://mikron.org.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/mikrontheatre/

https://www.facebook.com/mikrontheatre

https://www.youtube.com/MikronTheatre

Guest: Marianne McNamara & Dan Weinbren

Host: Lottie Walker

Editing & Production: Jacob Taylor

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