Correspondence with H.M. Swanwick

  • This material is held at
  • Reference
      GB 133 GDN/A/S112
  • Dates of Creation
      11 Mar 1908-25 Nov 1939
  • Physical Description
      29 pieces; 36 sheets

Scope and Content

Correspondence with Helena Maria Lucy Swanwick (1864-1939), suffragist, relating to discussion of the provision of regular articles and notes on gardening for publication in the Manchester Guardian, with reference to their form and content. Also included is discussion of arrangements for Swanwick to contribute to the country diary column of the paper. There is a letter from Scott to [Frederick] Pethick-Lawrence, politician, which includes the recommendation of Swanwick as a potential editor for Votes for Women. There is correspondence relating to Swanwick's resignation from regular work for the paper, and discussion of arrangements for her replacement for the country diary column. Also included is a request by Swanwick to use the printing blocks of the Manchester Guardian, in order to include political caricatures from the paper in Foreign Affairs, which is granted, with discussion of selection, arrangements and cost.

There is an expression of thanks from Scott for a cutting sent by Swanwick from Foreign Affairs, with reference [to the British position on property rights in Germany], and a refusal to print a letter to the editor by Swanwick criticising the work of the Manchester Guardian correspondent in Geneva. There is also an internal memorandum discussing Swanwick's [request] to act as a book reviewer for the paper.

There is correspondence between Swanwick and E.T. Scott, relating to the provision of information, and discussion of the political situation in Germany, with praise of the position taken by the Manchester Guardian on the subject. There is a request by Swanwick for publicity in the paper for proposals made by Mussolini for the Mediterranean and the Sahara, which is declined. Also included is an offer of an article by Swanwick, which is published as a letter to the editor [entitled 'Prune the Convenant; Articles Which Will Not Be Kept'].

There is also correspondence between Swanwick and W.P. Crozier, relating to Swanwick's resignation from her role as a contributor to the Manchester Guardian, owing to the paper's foreign and editorial policy in relation to Germany, with discussion of the situation in Germany, Swanwick's view that the paper is intentionally increasing the antagonism between Britain and Germany, and Crozier's defence of the paper, suggesting that it has a duty to expose persecution and oppression, wherever practised.

GDN/A/S112/17 is a proof copy of a letter to the editor by Swanwick entitled '"Little Nations" and Security', 1927.

GDN/A/S112/21 is a photograph of Swanwick entitled 'Mrs H.M. Swanwick (Companion of Honour)' in the Manchester Guardian, 1931.

GDN/A/S112/29A-B are an obituary for Swanwick and a report of the inquest on her death in the Manchester Guardian, 1939.