Monoprint by Andy Hayes (@andyinfinity on Instagram).
You might have seen – or more to the point, heard – that 26 has launched its own monthly radio show and podcast exploring the impact of language across different aspects of life. Here, John Simmons and Andy Hayes met at the Royal Academy to discuss the series and what listeners can expect.
Andy: Where did the idea come from for Why Words Matter?
John: The idea stems directly from 26’s core mission, which is to champion words because words matter. Though we’ve been going for more than 20 years, we’ve never comprehensively addressed how words matter in every area of life.
During recent Bloomsbury festivals, we connected with Bloomsbury Radio and producer Barra Fitzgibbon. I reached out to Barra earlier this year about developing a series, and the title “Why Words Matter” seemed perfect for exploring different areas: business, branding, art, social causes, music, education and so on.
To turn this concept into reality, I assembled a team including you, Sophie Gordon (our current Chair), and Martin Clarkson (our former Chair). I got the grand title of curator but we agreed that each episode should be led by a different host, someone with real expertise and interest in a particular subject.
Andy: I’ve always had a slight issue with the phrase “championing words” as it sounds like we’re primarily a campaigning organisation, which we’re not – but then you mentioned social issues.
John: I would say we do campaign in certain areas. Over the last decade, some of our most significant campaigns have focused on wildlife and environmental issues. Our most successful partnership has been with The Wildlife Trusts, where Kaye Brennan serves as campaigns manager – and I’m glad to say is also an enthusiastic writer in many of our projects. But championing words just for words’ sake would be pointless – it’s about why words matter and what you use them to accomplish.
Our starting point had to be ‘Why words matter in branding’ because that’s where 26 itself started. And the first episode is now done, with me hosting a panel of leading practitioners in the brand world: Amanda Dartford, Neil Baker and Nick Parker. We had a great conversation and people can listen here.
The second episode is now in the can as they used to say. It’s about storytelling, hosted by Martin Clarkson, with a panel of three from business, theatre and screenwriting. The screenwriter is 26’s own Rob Williams who wrote ‘Screw’ and many more big dramas.
Andy: I’ve heard it, and it’s great. I was drawn to this project because I love radio. When working, I listen to Radio 3 – I don’t know much about classical music, but I’m gradually learning. When I’m in the kitchen, Radio 4 is my constant companion, and on Saturdays, it’s Radio 5 for football. Being connected to Bloomsbury Radio is exciting, and I’m hoping to deliver my episode on “Why Words Matter in Art” directly from their studio.
Art is particularly interesting in this context – we’re talking here at the Royal Academy, and I have a love-hate relationship with words in art. I love learning the historical context about artists, but I hate impenetrable academic language. It’s improved significantly during my 30 years of visiting galleries – now it’s much more accessible without dumbing down.
For my episode, I’ve brought together a printmaker, gallery educator, and artist-poet, plus myself – an amateur writer and accidental abstract artist. It should be recorded and available as a podcast in April.
John: There’s a new exhibition at the RA by Victor Hugo – not just a novelist but, it turns out, also an artist. I was struck by this part of the exhibition introduction: “Writing and drawing were parallel creative processes that enriched one another.” That makes Victor Hugo a worthy honorary member of 26.
Andy: I must go, and get round to reading Les Misérables! The format is a half-hour show broadcasting monthly on Bloomsbury Radio on Mondays at 6 PM, with each episode also available as a podcast afterwards. We’re structuring each show similarly to “In Our Time” on BBC Sounds, allowing for organic conversations rather than rigid question-and-answer sessions.
Our first two episodes are already available online. In upcoming months, listeners can look forward to episodes on art, social causes, music, and education. 26 members can subscribe and listen for free.
You can find all episodes on our Substack page. We invite everyone interested in the power of language to tune in and join the conversation about why words truly matter. And if you have ideas for a subject that really interests you, perhaps you’ve always wanted to be on radio, let us know. This could be a great development opportunity for 26 members – though there might be quite a queue, so get in early. Email johnsimmons26da@gmail.com