On July 1, the Prison Research Centre and the Radzinowicz Library were delighted to host a joint Institute event with Andy West, writer, philosopher, and teacher of philosophy in HMP Grendon Spring Hill. Andy joined colleagues, students, and visitors for a seminar reflecting on his bestselling memoir 'The Life Inside' and its BBC adaptation, 'Waiting for the Out'.
Drawing on his experience of teaching philosophy in prison, Andy invited discussion about some of the central themes raised in his work: justice, luck, belonging, family, affinity and ambivalence. The seminar itself was testament to the ways in which philosophical thinking in prison spaces can raise some urgent, personal, and deeply human questions.
Following the seminar, guests gathered in the Radzinowicz Library for a drinks reception and an opportunity to view the prison artwork currently on display. The event brought together the research community of the Institute and the collections, space, and public engagement work of the library in a warm and lively evening of conversation.
We are grateful to Andy West for his generous reflections, and to everyone who joined us for the event. Special thanks go to Dr. Helen Kosc for organising the event on behalf of the Prison Research Centre, and to Kate Faulkner and Edward Mears on behalf of the Radzinowicz Library.
We hope this marks the beginning of many more collaborative events between the Institute’s research centres and the Radzinowicz Library, bringing together research, teaching, collections, creative work, and public discussion around punishment and justice.