91Èȱ¬

• New documents show how the scrupulous Orwell coped with working in the 91Èȱ¬ during Second World War
• What were conditions really like for Orwell on the remote island where he wrote Nineteen Eighty-Four?
• Orwell's 91Èȱ¬ appraisal and resignation letter released by the 91Èȱ¬

Today the 91Èȱ¬ Archive is launching a new online collection, charting George Orwell's time working at the 91Èȱ¬, as part of plans to open up parts of its extensive archives dating back to 1922.

The new collection will enable the public to take advantage of the broadcaster's unique access and ability to witness defining moments in history, and share them with the nation.

Monday 8 June marks the 60th anniversary of the publication of the classic novel Nineteen Eighty-Four, and the 91Èȱ¬ Archive is releasing 19 written documents, spanning five years of Orwell's life, including the time he spent working for the 91Èȱ¬.

Beginning in 1941 with notes from the job interview that led to Orwell being hired by the corporation, the documents also include a letter to fellow writer TS Eliot, candid memos about his role within the 91Èȱ¬, and letters Orwell wrote during his time on the remote Scottish island of Jura while writing Nineteen Eighty-Four.

Jean Seaton, 91Èȱ¬ Historian and Director of the Orwell prize, said: "These rare 91Èȱ¬ documents reveal Orwell's uncompromising honesty, unswerving political ideals, and the value which the 91Èȱ¬ placed on his integrity.

"From the start the 91Èȱ¬ knew that Orwell was not the kind of chap to water down his opinions or engage in propaganda and this collection gives us a fascinating insight into this very private and hugely influential figure.

"These documents show that both the 91Èȱ¬ and Orwell come out of this relationship inspiringly well."

Although he spent two years trying to raise morale and bolster the British position in wartime India, Orwell's first commitment was always to his own principles.

The 91Èȱ¬'s role during wartime has been widely documented and, despite the pressure of his role, Orwell was able to state in his resignation letter, that "On no occasion have I been compelled to say on the air anything that I would not have said as a private individual".

Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty and Board Member of the Orwell prize, said: "For today's generation of writers, broadcasters and bloggers these ideals are exemplified through the Orwell prize. These documents bring us a little closer to understanding the man who inspired this prize and the principles which informed his writing."

This collection is the latest in a series to be released online which explore the cultural and political developments that shaped the 20th century.

The new collection goes live on 4 June and you can view the collection by going online to bbc.co.uk/archive/orwell.

Through the creation of these online collections, the 91Èȱ¬ hopes to release hidden treasures providing a fascinating source of socio-political history.

The 91Èȱ¬ archive, which holds nearly one million hours of TV and radio programming, serves as a reminder of how the 91Èȱ¬ evolved, and has an unrivalled record of recent British contemporary history.

Notes to Editors

Explore over 80 years of UK and 91Èȱ¬ history with the 91Èȱ¬ Archive website. Programmes, documents and images bring the past to life and reveal forgotten stories.

The collection, George Orwell: Principles And Propaganda, is the 20th to be released by 91Èȱ¬ Archive and will now form a part of this permanent resource which the 91Èȱ¬ has made available to UK audiences. For more information, visit: bbc.co.uk/archive.

This collection is being released with the consent of the George Orwell estate.

The 91Èȱ¬ Archive George Orwell: Principles And Propaganda collection includes the following 19 documents.

Programmes

Memo from the 91Èȱ¬'s Director of Empire Services: George Orwell is recommended for employment.
Written: 1941
Synopsis: This memo, written in June 1941, examines Orwell's suitability for a role as a Talks Producer within the 91Èȱ¬'s Eastern Service and recalls Orwell's interview for the job. Orwell's experiences in Burma and India are discussed, as well as his political opinions and his time fighting for the Republican cause in Spain, which Orwell feels "may be held against him".

Letter from Arthur Keith to D Pearson-Smith Esq: A glowing reference for George Orwell.
Written: 1941
Synopsis: Arthur Keith, once he remembers that George Orwell is Eric Blair, heartily recommends him to Mr Pearson-Smith. Keith was a friend of Orwell's and asked to provide a reference for him on joining the 91Èȱ¬. Pearson-Smith was the Overseas Services Establishment Manager, Forties jargon for Human Resources.

Memo from Orwell to the Eastern Service Director: Eric Blair discusses writing as George Orwell.
Written: 1942
Synopsis: Orwell discusses the potential effects of broadcasting under his pen-name and how this might affect his credibility to an Indian audience. It is also obvious that, although Orwell realises his job is to broadcast what is essentially propaganda, he refuses to compromise his integrity and wishes to make this clear at the outset.

Letter from Orwell to TS Eliot: George Orwell invites TS Eliot to contribute a reading.
Written: 1942
Synopsis: In this letter written to TS Eliot, care of his publishers, Faber and Faber, Orwell asks if Eliot will provide a reading for Voice, his magazine programme, to be broadcast by the Indian Service in November 1942.

Memo from the Assistant Controller, Overseas Services: The Assistant Controller appreciates the propaganda advantage of Orwell's name.
Written: 1942
Synopsis: In this memo, RA Rendall addresses concerns that the Indian government might object to broadcasts by George Orwell, a man whose books they have banned. A handwritten amendment by LF Rushbrook Williams recommends keeping silent on the matter, rather than actually raising the issue with the government of India.

Memo criticising Orwell's voice: Is George Orwell's voice suitable for broadcasting?
Written: 1943
Synopsis: JB Clark, the Controller of Overseas Services, is the author of this memo wondering whether Orwell should be kept on the air due to the unattractive nature of his voice. Clark feared not only that the talks might be compromised by Orwell's vocal delivery, but also that the 91Èȱ¬ could be criticised for giving airtime to somebody with such an unsuitable way of speaking.

Letter to Orwell from ALC Bullock: An invitation to comment on social changes in wartime Britain.
Written: 1943
Synopsis: ALC Bullock, the Talks Editor of the European Service, writes to George Orwell asking whether he would like to take part in a series of programmes being broadcast to mark the 10th anniversary of National Socialism in Germany.

Reply from Orwell to ALC Bullock: Orwell asserts his preference for the truth.
Written: 1943
Synopsis: This letter is George Orwell's reply to ALC Bullock's invitation to talk about social change in Britain on the European Service. He makes it quite clear that he will pull no punches in giving his true opinions and that diplomatic considerations are not his concern.

Orwell's Annual Report: An exceptional testimonial for staff member 9889.
Written: 1943
Synopsis: His 91Èȱ¬ annual staff report found George Orwell to be an individual of high moral worth, incapable of subterfuge and one whose literary abilities make his work "distinguished". The document also warns that Orwell's scripts require close attention, as they can shock the more "conservatively minded" on occasion. Nevertheless, he gets his £40 increment - the annual 91Èȱ¬ pay rise.

Orwell's resignation letter: George Orwell submits his resignation.
Written: 1943
Synopsis: Orwell's resignation letter, sent to LF Rushbrook Williams, the Eastern Service Director, outlines the reasons behind his decision to leave the 91Èȱ¬ in 1943. He makes it clear that he has no disagreement with the Corporation and has been well treated. He does, however, feel that the task of broadcasting propaganda to India is completely pointless, stating that he prefers to concentrate his efforts on journalism and may be travelling to North Africa on behalf of The Observer.

Memo on the resignation of Eric Blair: LF Rushbrook Williams ponders George Orwell's resignation.
Written: 1943
Synopsis: Rushbrook Williams, the Eastern Service Director, praises Orwell's professional integrity as well as his contribution to the 91Èȱ¬, and suggests that he be allowed to forego the obligatory two months' notice if it will help him to continue with his journalism.

Orwell's official leaving notice: The 91Èȱ¬ regrets the loss of Orwell from its employment.
Written: 1943
Synopsis: Even on this short, official bureaucratic form, evidence is found of the affection and admiration felt for George Orwell at the 91Èȱ¬. His Head of Department praises him unreservedly and would re-employ him at the drop of a hat, even though Orwell had always made it clear that he wouldn't adjust the content of his broadcasts to suit the current political climate.

Letter from Orwell to Rayner Heppenstall: George Orwell writes about moving to the remote island of Jura.
Written: 1946
Synopsis: Orwell turns down an offer of work from Rayner Heppenstall, a friend and 91Èȱ¬ producer, as he needs to have a break and then concentrate on writing a book. The novel was, in fact, Nineteen Eighty-Four. Orwell goes on to describe the somewhat basic living conditions in the house where he is staying on Jura.

Letter from Rayner Heppenstall to Orwell: Rayner Heppenstall asks what provisions to bring to Orwell on Jura.
Written: 1946
Synopsis: Heppenstall accepts George Orwell's offer to come and stay on Jura and enquires as to what food he should bring, as Orwell had requested supplies. Orwell had been in poor health, suffering from tuberculosis, and Heppenstall hopes to see him "very beefy".

Letter from Orwell to Rayner Heppenstall: George Orwell gives directions on how to get to Jura.
Written: 1946
Synopsis: Orwell's detailed instructions to Heppenstall give a sense of how remote Jura was. His advice to bring a raincoat and thick boots also indicates both the mild, rainy climate of the island and the basic state of the roads around Barnhill.

Letter from Rayner Heppenstall to Orwell: Rayner Heppenstall worries about what to bring and getting to Jura.
Written: 1946
Synopsis: In this letter, it seems that Heppenstall had not yet received Orwell's correspondence dated two days previously, as he asks for directions to Jura. He is also still unsure about what to bring by way of provisions. It is likely that Heppenstall refers to Paul Potts, a Canadian poet, who had joined Orwell on Jura very soon after he arrived.

Letter from Rayner Heppenstall to Orwell: Rayner Heppenstall pulls out of visiting George Orwell on Jura.
Written: 1946
Synopsis: Rayner Heppenstall clarifies why he has decided not to visit Jura after sending a telegram informing Orwell of his change of mind. Clearly Avril, Orwell's sister, was not alone in finding Paul Potts difficult to get on with. Heppenstall also congratulates Orwell on his critical success with Animal Farm in the USA.

Letter from Rayner Heppenstall to Orwell: Rayner Heppenstall worries that he has offended George Orwell.
Written: 1946
Synopsis: Having not heard anything from Orwell since his last letter, Heppenstall is concerned that he has upset him by not visiting Jura over the summer. Despite previously congratulating Orwell on his literary success and making the observation that he can now do less journalism, Heppenstall also chases Orwell about his promise to write a radio programme for the autumn.

Letter from Orwell to Rayner Heppenstall: George Orwell describes life on Jura.
Written: 1946
Synopsis: A relaxed Orwell describes how he can't get around to writing letters and goes on to suggest that a trip to Jura isn't really that onerous a journey, the main difficulty being the five-mile walk at the end of the process. He mentions catching and shooting his own food and substituting oatcakes and porridge for bread. Significantly, he says he is "starting another book". This would be Nineteen Eighty-Four, his last.

DM