Ken Worpole
@kgeorgew.bsky.social
John Berger, one of Europe’s most influential post-war writers and intellectuals, was born 100 years ago on 5 November 1926 in Stoke Newington, and happily the subject of many planned commemorative events in the UK and across Europe this year.
January 2, 2026 at 5:23 PM
John Berger, one of Europe’s most influential post-war writers and intellectuals, was born 100 years ago on 5 November 1926 in Stoke Newington, and happily the subject of many planned commemorative events in the UK and across Europe this year.
Reposted by Ken Worpole
My letter in @thetimes.com today: what is the economy for?
#PublicHealth #Wellbeing #Environment #Inequality
#PublicHealth #Wellbeing #Environment #Inequality
December 27, 2025 at 10:11 AM
My letter in @thetimes.com today: what is the economy for?
#PublicHealth #Wellbeing #Environment #Inequality
#PublicHealth #Wellbeing #Environment #Inequality
Reposted by Ken Worpole
“The poet does not use poetry, but is at the service of poetry. To use it is to misuse it.”
- Denise Levertov
I love the images in this poem. Also something clever about the repetition and effect of the line breaks in the final stanza
#poetry
#poemoftheday
- Denise Levertov
I love the images in this poem. Also something clever about the repetition and effect of the line breaks in the final stanza
#poetry
#poemoftheday
December 26, 2025 at 9:52 AM
“The poet does not use poetry, but is at the service of poetry. To use it is to misuse it.”
- Denise Levertov
I love the images in this poem. Also something clever about the repetition and effect of the line breaks in the final stanza
#poetry
#poemoftheday
- Denise Levertov
I love the images in this poem. Also something clever about the repetition and effect of the line breaks in the final stanza
#poetry
#poemoftheday
Reposted by Ken Worpole
Books of 2025:
The Meaning of Growth - Richard Douglas
A Climate of Truth - Mike Berners-Lee
Climate Injustice - Friederike Otto
Brightening from the East - Ken Worpole
Homework - Geoff Dyer
Books of the half-decade :
Late Soviet Britain - Abby Innes
Twilight of Democracy - Anne Applebaum
The Meaning of Growth - Richard Douglas
A Climate of Truth - Mike Berners-Lee
Climate Injustice - Friederike Otto
Brightening from the East - Ken Worpole
Homework - Geoff Dyer
Books of the half-decade :
Late Soviet Britain - Abby Innes
Twilight of Democracy - Anne Applebaum
December 19, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Books of 2025:
The Meaning of Growth - Richard Douglas
A Climate of Truth - Mike Berners-Lee
Climate Injustice - Friederike Otto
Brightening from the East - Ken Worpole
Homework - Geoff Dyer
Books of the half-decade :
Late Soviet Britain - Abby Innes
Twilight of Democracy - Anne Applebaum
The Meaning of Growth - Richard Douglas
A Climate of Truth - Mike Berners-Lee
Climate Injustice - Friederike Otto
Brightening from the East - Ken Worpole
Homework - Geoff Dyer
Books of the half-decade :
Late Soviet Britain - Abby Innes
Twilight of Democracy - Anne Applebaum
Reposted by Ken Worpole
Including my personal pick, from the great @kgeorgew.bsky.social
December 18, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Including my personal pick, from the great @kgeorgew.bsky.social
'It was in July, 1922, a hot day, I bought a Bartholomew map of Essex, inch to the mile, coloured for elevation. The blue creeks, the wide expanses of green for marsh, all delighted me.'
'I knew that extraordinary sensation of being where I wanted to be...socketted in the universe.'
Essex Marshes
'I knew that extraordinary sensation of being where I wanted to be...socketted in the universe.'
Essex Marshes
December 17, 2025 at 8:46 AM
'It was in July, 1922, a hot day, I bought a Bartholomew map of Essex, inch to the mile, coloured for elevation. The blue creeks, the wide expanses of green for marsh, all delighted me.'
'I knew that extraordinary sensation of being where I wanted to be...socketted in the universe.'
Essex Marshes
'I knew that extraordinary sensation of being where I wanted to be...socketted in the universe.'
Essex Marshes
Reposted by Ken Worpole
Will Hutton
“When the story of the 2024 - 29(?) Parliament is told one of the strangest chapters will be the refusal to close down foreign donations to British political parties”.
What on earth do Labour MPs think their ministers are doing here?
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
“When the story of the 2024 - 29(?) Parliament is told one of the strangest chapters will be the refusal to close down foreign donations to British political parties”.
What on earth do Labour MPs think their ministers are doing here?
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Reform’s record £9m crypto donation is just the latest offering from abroad | The Observer
observer.co.uk
December 7, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Will Hutton
“When the story of the 2024 - 29(?) Parliament is told one of the strangest chapters will be the refusal to close down foreign donations to British political parties”.
What on earth do Labour MPs think their ministers are doing here?
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
“When the story of the 2024 - 29(?) Parliament is told one of the strangest chapters will be the refusal to close down foreign donations to British political parties”.
What on earth do Labour MPs think their ministers are doing here?
observer.co.uk/news/politic...
Surprised and delighted to be alongside Philip Hoare as writing one of the New Statesman’s ‘Books of the Year 2025’, chosen by Geoff Dyer. Dyer is kind and generous to us both, characterising Hoare’s writing as ‘ecstatic, kaleidoscopic and visionary’, and mine as consistently thoughtful and moving.’
December 7, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Surprised and delighted to be alongside Philip Hoare as writing one of the New Statesman’s ‘Books of the Year 2025’, chosen by Geoff Dyer. Dyer is kind and generous to us both, characterising Hoare’s writing as ‘ecstatic, kaleidoscopic and visionary’, and mine as consistently thoughtful and moving.’
Reposted by Ken Worpole
Jeremy Seabrook died one year ago today aged 85. One of the most original & pioneering voices for social justice, human rights & dignity in post-war Britain. He asked: “Why is it that the rich must become immeasurably more rich before the poor can become even fractionally less poor?”
November 30, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Jeremy Seabrook died one year ago today aged 85. One of the most original & pioneering voices for social justice, human rights & dignity in post-war Britain. He asked: “Why is it that the rich must become immeasurably more rich before the poor can become even fractionally less poor?”
Reposted by Ken Worpole
Damilola Taylor: The fight to protect young lives www.bbc.com/news/article...
And the full-frame image from his memorial on the Peckham Estate #DamilolaTaylor
And the full-frame image from his memorial on the Peckham Estate #DamilolaTaylor
November 27, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Damilola Taylor: The fight to protect young lives www.bbc.com/news/article...
And the full-frame image from his memorial on the Peckham Estate #DamilolaTaylor
And the full-frame image from his memorial on the Peckham Estate #DamilolaTaylor
Reposted by Ken Worpole
My new book, all about how, in the 1970s and 80s, the good architects and planners of the Peterborough Development Corporation tried to create pedestrian-friendly places to live. Available here: theradburnidea.bigcartel.com/product/the-...
November 26, 2025 at 8:25 AM
My new book, all about how, in the 1970s and 80s, the good architects and planners of the Peterborough Development Corporation tried to create pedestrian-friendly places to live. Available here: theradburnidea.bigcartel.com/product/the-...
Reposted by Ken Worpole
‘Designing social housing for later life is too often reduced to a simple provision of service. Appleby Blue, however, is a provision of pure delight . . . high-quality spaces that are generous and thoughtful, blending function and community . . .’
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
Spa vibes with a grow-your-own-dinner option: Britain’s best new building is a revamped almshouse
With its shimmering ginkgo trees, tinkling pools and a rooftop garden, the Appleby Blue Almshouse housing complex for older people is a worthy winner of RIBA’s prestigious Stirling prize
www.theguardian.com
October 17, 2025 at 3:54 AM
‘Designing social housing for later life is too often reduced to a simple provision of service. Appleby Blue, however, is a provision of pure delight . . . high-quality spaces that are generous and thoughtful, blending function and community . . .’
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
Reposted by Ken Worpole
I'm too inactive here, but just to say I have an exhibition opening this weekend, plus events etc coming up... If you are in an Essex direction pls come by! firstsite.uk/event/into-t...
October 2, 2025 at 10:16 PM
I'm too inactive here, but just to say I have an exhibition opening this weekend, plus events etc coming up... If you are in an Essex direction pls come by! firstsite.uk/event/into-t...
Reposted by Ken Worpole
We should all be deeply grateful for Emma Warren’s timely cultural history of the youth club (@faberbooks.bsky.social), writes social historian and former youth worker Ken Worpole (@kgeorgew.bsky.social) www.caughtbytheriver.net/2025/09/up-t...
September 16, 2025 at 10:31 AM
We should all be deeply grateful for Emma Warren’s timely cultural history of the youth club (@faberbooks.bsky.social), writes social historian and former youth worker Ken Worpole (@kgeorgew.bsky.social) www.caughtbytheriver.net/2025/09/up-t...
Reposted by Ken Worpole
Please join us at Swedenborg House on Thursday 25 September 7pm-9pm (doors open 6.30pm) for 'BUILDING A WINDMILL | KEN WORPOLE & MELISSA BENN IN CONVERSATION.'
FREE. For more information please visit: www.swedenborg.org.uk/events/build...
@kgeorgew.bsky.social @littletollerbooks.bsky.social
FREE. For more information please visit: www.swedenborg.org.uk/events/build...
@kgeorgew.bsky.social @littletollerbooks.bsky.social
August 11, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Please join us at Swedenborg House on Thursday 25 September 7pm-9pm (doors open 6.30pm) for 'BUILDING A WINDMILL | KEN WORPOLE & MELISSA BENN IN CONVERSATION.'
FREE. For more information please visit: www.swedenborg.org.uk/events/build...
@kgeorgew.bsky.social @littletollerbooks.bsky.social
FREE. For more information please visit: www.swedenborg.org.uk/events/build...
@kgeorgew.bsky.social @littletollerbooks.bsky.social
Just published, two inspiring collection of essays on the prospects for rural Britain in the future. Vol 1: Land, food & farming. Vol 2: Housing, planning & construction. From Assemble, Little Toller Books and the inestimable Common Ground. Fabulous photos by Kaye Song, designed by Polytechnic.
August 14, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Just published, two inspiring collection of essays on the prospects for rural Britain in the future. Vol 1: Land, food & farming. Vol 2: Housing, planning & construction. From Assemble, Little Toller Books and the inestimable Common Ground. Fabulous photos by Kaye Song, designed by Polytechnic.
Reposted by Ken Worpole
Child and art, Child Welfare, Netherlands Stamps, 1964. Designed by Ootje Oxenaar designreviewed.com/artefacts/ch...
August 14, 2025 at 5:49 AM
Child and art, Child Welfare, Netherlands Stamps, 1964. Designed by Ootje Oxenaar designreviewed.com/artefacts/ch...
Reposted by Ken Worpole
Thanks to @thetcpa.bsky.social for commissioning this article for the latest edition of their Journal. Hope you enjoy the read. 😊
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
August 2, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Thanks to @thetcpa.bsky.social for commissioning this article for the latest edition of their Journal. Hope you enjoy the read. 😊
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
Reposted by Ken Worpole
Why Unicef almost always concludes that Dutch children are the happiest in the world. Me on what makes a good childhood, based partly on having grown up in the Netherlands
@financialtimes.com on.ft.com/45o0cjh
@financialtimes.com on.ft.com/45o0cjh
The magic of childhood in the Netherlands
[FREE TO READ] And what other countries can learn from it
on.ft.com
August 8, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Why Unicef almost always concludes that Dutch children are the happiest in the world. Me on what makes a good childhood, based partly on having grown up in the Netherlands
@financialtimes.com on.ft.com/45o0cjh
@financialtimes.com on.ft.com/45o0cjh
Looking forward to seeing old friends at the wonderful Wivenhoe Bookshop on Friday, 5 September, 2025 at 7pm. I'll be talking about rural socialism, artists's colonies, post-industrial landscapes, and eco- futurism, all part of the county's febrile 20th century history.
August 8, 2025 at 9:39 AM
Looking forward to seeing old friends at the wonderful Wivenhoe Bookshop on Friday, 5 September, 2025 at 7pm. I'll be talking about rural socialism, artists's colonies, post-industrial landscapes, and eco- futurism, all part of the county's febrile 20th century history.
This documentary history of Frating Hall Farm in Essex, a unique pacifist community - taped interviews, photographs, letters, diaries - has now been given its own archive at Essex Record Office.
'What Worpole's account attests to is the paradise of making paradise...'
Olivia Laing, TLS, 2021
'What Worpole's account attests to is the paradise of making paradise...'
Olivia Laing, TLS, 2021
August 3, 2025 at 10:36 AM
This documentary history of Frating Hall Farm in Essex, a unique pacifist community - taped interviews, photographs, letters, diaries - has now been given its own archive at Essex Record Office.
'What Worpole's account attests to is the paradise of making paradise...'
Olivia Laing, TLS, 2021
'What Worpole's account attests to is the paradise of making paradise...'
Olivia Laing, TLS, 2021
Reposted by Ken Worpole
Interesting new publication from @littletollerbooks.bsky.social arrived today. First in a series. You can find out more on their website 👍
July 30, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Interesting new publication from @littletollerbooks.bsky.social arrived today. First in a series. You can find out more on their website 👍
Reposted by Ken Worpole
☀️☀️ MORE SUMMER PICKS ☀️☀️ lrb.me/e63
David’s pick of summer treats, ft. new novels from Gary Shteyngart & Nicola Barker, an ecofictional fable from Sarah Hall, a final collection of essays from the much-mourned Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and a pair of primers on environmental futures from Little Toller
David’s pick of summer treats, ft. new novels from Gary Shteyngart & Nicola Barker, an ecofictional fable from Sarah Hall, a final collection of essays from the much-mourned Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and a pair of primers on environmental futures from Little Toller
July 24, 2025 at 11:08 AM
☀️☀️ MORE SUMMER PICKS ☀️☀️ lrb.me/e63
David’s pick of summer treats, ft. new novels from Gary Shteyngart & Nicola Barker, an ecofictional fable from Sarah Hall, a final collection of essays from the much-mourned Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and a pair of primers on environmental futures from Little Toller
David’s pick of summer treats, ft. new novels from Gary Shteyngart & Nicola Barker, an ecofictional fable from Sarah Hall, a final collection of essays from the much-mourned Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o and a pair of primers on environmental futures from Little Toller
'No one knows where I am and that's the way I like it.' Congratulations to Jeff Young & Little Toller Books for winning the TLS Ackerley Prize last night for Wild Twin, the definitive British post-Kerouac road trip and dream diary.
July 24, 2025 at 9:59 AM
'No one knows where I am and that's the way I like it.' Congratulations to Jeff Young & Little Toller Books for winning the TLS Ackerley Prize last night for Wild Twin, the definitive British post-Kerouac road trip and dream diary.
Reposted by Ken Worpole
Congratulations to Jeff Young, winner of this year’s TLS Ackerley Prize for his highly original and exhilaratingly written memoir ‘Wild Twin’, published by @littletollerbooks.bsky.social
July 23, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Congratulations to Jeff Young, winner of this year’s TLS Ackerley Prize for his highly original and exhilaratingly written memoir ‘Wild Twin’, published by @littletollerbooks.bsky.social