As we were finalizing the publication of Paul Richards’ article, ‘A novelist among the anthropologists: Barbara Pym and The International African Institute’,Footnote ¹ we were delighted to receive an invitation to the unveiling of a blue plaque to Barbara Pym in Pimlico, London, and a celebration (part concert, part religious service, part tributes from celebrity admirers).

It was my pleasure to represent the IAI outside 108 Cambridge Street where Pym lived from 1945 to 1949, when she was working for the IAI, and inside St. Gabriel’s Church, Warwick Square, where she worshipped with other Excellent Women, keeping calm and carrying on despite extensive bomb damage.

The plaque was unveiled by Lucy Worsley, historian and popular broadcaster; the event organized by English HeritageFootnote ² and the Barbara Pym Society.Footnote ³

The Commemorative Programme (Figure 1) included and celebrated many aspects of Barbara Pym’s life: favourite hymns, the Wrens’ prayer, a Philip Larkin poem, an aria from Tosca. The tea and cakes were excellent. Sadly, although there was a brief mention of her work for the IAI in the printed programme there was no other reflection of her Africanist, anthropological and editorial skills and interests. I spoke to several members of the audience, Pym enthusiasts all, who expressed surprised that the IAI was still active and flourishing.

Figure 1.

From the celebratory programme, courtesy of the Barbara Pym Society.