The Life and Home of Ronald Blythe, with Biographer Ian Collins

We're at Bottengoms, the home and garden of Ronald Blythe, situated in the Stour Valley, the border of the eastern counties of Essex and Suffolk. It's a National Landscape (fomerly AONB), so protected and valued for its national and cultural features and places. The house was repaired from derelict status by Christine and John Nash in the 1940s, and Ronnie Blythe came to live here in the 1970s. It's a charmed and enchanted place. The discussion is with curator, artist and writer Ian Collins, author of the beautiful and comprehensive 2025 biography of Ronald Blythe called "Blythe Spirit." Ronnie Blythe lived to a hundred years, and died early in 2023. His own final book is the beautiful landmark text "Next to Nature." He bequeathed the house and garden to Essex Wildlife Trust, who are seeking to ensure a creative and secure future for Bottengoms, with opportunities for readers and fans of Ronnie Blythe to visit. I am also, as it happens, President of Essex Wildlife Trust. For more, see these links: https://www.essexwt.org.uk/bottengoms https://www.essexwt.org.uk/news/honou...