From the Archive: Episode 1

From the Archive: Rachel Lichtenstein

In the years preceding the publication of her book Estuary: out from London to the Sea (Penguin, 2016) author, Rachel Lichtenstein spent six years walking the landscape as she immersed herself in the multiple layers and histories of the Thames Estuary.  As part of her research practice, on many of these outings she was accompanied by other writers, recording their conversations along the way.

These recordings mostly remain as raw research but over the years have become a fantastic archive.  Estuary 2021 has commissioned Rachel to listen back and remix two of these walks to share with audiences.

The resulting two podcasts are a fascinating insight that capture a moment in time – both of a landscape that changes rapidly – and of the intimate artistic exchange of ideas, inspiration and memory between the walkers – whose love for and connection to the estuary is palpable.
     

From the Archive: Episode 1  
Between Tide and Sea - a walk with Ken Worpole

Rachel Lichtenstein and Ken Worpole make their way from Benfleet station, through the historic downs and marshes of Hadleigh, ending at Leigh-on-sea station. As they walk (accompanied by Rachel’s dog Flash) they talk about the wildness of Canvey Island and its pull for Londoners in search of a new life post-war, of  the tragic floods of 1953, the beauty of the intertidal nature of that place, Jewish immigration to Essex, the conflict between the wider perceptions of Essex and their own deep personal connections to the Estuary, including Ken’s extraordinary project with the photographer Jason Orton, which resulted in the publication 350 Miles: An Essex Journey (Essex County Council, 2005). 

Elements of this walk feature in Estuary: out from London to the Sea and the forthcoming anthology, edited by Katherine Norbury Women and Nature (Unbound, 2021). 

The Walk
Length:   4 miles long.
Transport:  Benfleet Station – Leigh-on-Sea Statio