Hilda Matheson: A Life of Secrets and Broadcasts

Hilda Matheson was a key figure in British public life between the wars, working for MI6, becoming Lady Astor's political secretary, and leading a survey of African economics and natural resources. She was a passionate, loving woman who died in 1940 at the age of 52. Her letters to Vita Sackville-West and the Astor papers reveal her candid and devoted nature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 19 September 2023
Publisher: Handheld Press

Vita Sackville-West was captivated by her, while Virginia Woolf despised her. Sir John Reith harbored resentment towards her, yet he couldn't function without her skills. She transformed the BBC into a broadcaster for the people. Lady Astor was her close friend, paving the way for her entry into the heart of Britain's political, cultural, and intellectual aristocracy. Hilda Matheson was one of the most significant women behind the scenes in Britain's public life between the wars, serving as an influential networker between feminist, media, and political powers. She packed more into her short life than most people would ever imagine possible. Every challenge was accepted, and she lived her life to the fullest.

During the First World War, Hilda worked for MI6. Subsequently, she became Lady Astor's political secretary, making history as the first woman MP to take her seat in the House of Commons. She was poached by Sir John Reith, who then appointed her as the first Talks Director for the fledgling BBC. However, Reith turned against her liberalizing energies, and Hilda resigned rather than compromise her principles. She was selected to lead a monumental survey of African economics and natural resources, laying the groundwork for the move away from British colonialism. At the onset of the Second World War, she was tasked with overseeing a new propaganda unit responsible for narrating Britain's story to its allies and enemies through recordings, images, and books.

Hilda, who had suffered from Graves disease throughout her life, possessed the remarkable energy levels required to tackle the immense tasks in her career. Tragically, she passed away during a routine operation in 1940, at the age of 52.

Her life story has been recounted by her first biographer, Michael Carney, and BBC producer Kate Murphy. It is only fitting that this passionate, loving woman has finally received the memorial her energies and achievements truly deserve.

Weight: 338g
Dimension: 134 x 216 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912766727