"Something so arresting...as soon as she started talking"
In 1974 journalist Moira Taylor interviewed Katherine Mansfield's youngest sister Jeanne for the radio documentary Her Bright Image - Impressions of Katherine Mansfield. In this opening excerpt, although she was aged in her 80s Jeanne could still vividly recall her late sister's charisma and the indelible impression she made on those she met.
Listen to the full programme Her Bright Image - Impressions of Katherine Mansfield
Collection reference 2180
Year 1974
Credits Moira Taylor, interviewer, producer Jeanne Renshaw, interviewee
"Until Murry came along, we lived a very simple life"
After Mansfield returned to London from New Zealand in 1908, she was reunited with her school friend Ida Baker, the faithful "L.M.", who from then on dedicated herself to taking care of the writer. In this except from a 1974 interview by Moira Taylor, the elderly Ida Baker recalls how they lived as Mansfield was trying to establish herself as a writer - and how the dynamics of their relationship changed once she met John Middleton Murry.
Listen to the full programme Her Bright Image - Impressions of Katherine Mansfield
Collection reference 2180
Year 1974
Credits Moira Taylor, interviewer, producer; Ida Baker, interviewee
"A head-turner .... a natural entertainer"
Katherine Mansfield's charismatic personality and striking appearance were vividly remembered by her brother-in-law, Richard Murry. As a young art student in London, he had much in common with the artistic writer and her husband, his older brother John Middleton Murry.
He was included in their bohemian circle of friends and frequently accompanied Mansfield to art exhibitions, the music hall and theatre. In this excerpt from a 1974 interview by Moira Taylor, Murry describes the vivacious woman he knew, before illness robbed her of her vitality.
Listen to the full programme Her Bright Image - Impressions of Katherine Mansfield
Collection reference 2180
Year 1974
Credits Moira Taylor, interviewer, producer; Arthur Richard Murry, interviewee
"Her favourite game was, Do You Remember...?"
Katherine Mansfield's last reunion with her sisters was in 1919, when father Harold and youngest sister Jeanne came to England after the death of her mother Annie the year before. Older sister Chaddie was now married and living in England and they all met up at the Beauchamp's house in the New Forest and at the club where they stayed in Piccadilly. By now, although she was badly affected by tuberculosis, Chaddie and Jeanne recall Katherine's bravery in the face of her worsening illness.
Listen to the full 1962 interview The Sisters of Kezia.
Collection reference 24160
Year 1962
Credits Owen Leeming , interviewer, producer; Jeanne Renshaw, interviewee; Charlotte Pickthall, interviewee