Richard Ovenden
@richove.bsky.social
Bodley's Librarian, @bodleian.ox.ac.uk & Head of Gardens, Libraries & Museums @ox.ac.uk OBE. FSA. FRHistS, FRSE. President, DPC. Fellow, @Ballioloxford.Bsky.social. Member, @AmPhilsociety.Bsky.social Hon. Fellow @britishacademy.bsky.social
Excellent piece on the continuing value of libraries from Martha Gill in @theobserveruk.bsky.social - pleased to be quoted in it. observer.co.uk/news/opinion...
Far from being past their shelf life, libraries are essen...
These vital institutions can launch businesses and reduce the need for social care
observer.co.uk
December 30, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Excellent piece on the continuing value of libraries from Martha Gill in @theobserveruk.bsky.social - pleased to be quoted in it. observer.co.uk/news/opinion...
My tribute to the late great Martin Parr is in @theobserveruk.bsky.social tommorrow. He was taken from us way too soon observer.co.uk/obituary/lov...
Martin Parr, remembered by Richard Ovenden | The Observer
The head of the Bodleian library offers a portrait of the photographer who was ‘one of Britain’s greatest visual ambassadors’
observer.co.uk
December 27, 2025 at 1:57 PM
My tribute to the late great Martin Parr is in @theobserveruk.bsky.social tommorrow. He was taken from us way too soon observer.co.uk/obituary/lov...
Amazing service from Orkney Libraries! I could do with one of these light boxes myself …. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
The pioneering light boxes helping Orkney islanders avoid seasonal affective disorder
Wintering Well boxes to counter effects of low light on mental health are ‘super popular’, says island librarian
www.theguardian.com
December 26, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Amazing service from Orkney Libraries! I could do with one of these light boxes myself …. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Delighted to see the great Lle Friedlander feature in @theobserveruk.bsky.social this weekend - an early Christmas present! observer.co.uk/culture/phot...
Lee Friedlander’s festive fixation | The Observer
The American photographer spent 70 Christmases capturing over-the-top shopfronts, snowy yards and roadside curiosities. He explains why
observer.co.uk
December 21, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Delighted to see the great Lle Friedlander feature in @theobserveruk.bsky.social this weekend - an early Christmas present! observer.co.uk/culture/phot...
On Friday @bodleian.ox.ac.uk we were treated to a phenomenal lecture by Mick Herron reflecting on the legacy and influence of John le Carré - what a way to end the year - come and see our show ‘Tradecraft: John le Carré’ in 2026!
December 21, 2025 at 1:08 PM
On Friday @bodleian.ox.ac.uk we were treated to a phenomenal lecture by Mick Herron reflecting on the legacy and influence of John le Carré - what a way to end the year - come and see our show ‘Tradecraft: John le Carré’ in 2026!
Im enjoying thinking about this very interesting list from @tomgatti.bsky.social in @theobserveruk.bsky.social! I think it is missing Claire Keegan's _Small things like these_, & @philippesands.bsky.social' _East west street_, also: @alecsoth.bsky.social 's _Songbook_. observer.co.uk/culture/book...
The 25 best books of the century so far | The Observer
From mould-breaking fiction to essays, memoir and more, The Observer’s critics and editors choose the most memorable books of the last 25 years – and encourage you to have your say
observer.co.uk
December 19, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Im enjoying thinking about this very interesting list from @tomgatti.bsky.social in @theobserveruk.bsky.social! I think it is missing Claire Keegan's _Small things like these_, & @philippesands.bsky.social' _East west street_, also: @alecsoth.bsky.social 's _Songbook_. observer.co.uk/culture/book...
This is a profound and moving piece by @ericawgnr.bsky.social in @theobserveruk.bsky.social observer.co.uk/news/opinion...
‘Keep calling in the light’: thoughts on Hanukah in London
I feel overshadowed with sorrow and exhaustion at the news of the past few hours. This grief is what makes us human, and helps us not give in to hate
observer.co.uk
December 18, 2025 at 3:55 PM
This is a profound and moving piece by @ericawgnr.bsky.social in @theobserveruk.bsky.social observer.co.uk/news/opinion...
Delighted to welcome the Libraries Minister, Baronness Fiona Twycross (DCMS) to visit us @bodleian.ox.ac.uk and meet members of the #LibrariesAlliance, bringing together the sector bodies & national libraries to advocate for libraries!
December 15, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Delighted to welcome the Libraries Minister, Baronness Fiona Twycross (DCMS) to visit us @bodleian.ox.ac.uk and meet members of the #LibrariesAlliance, bringing together the sector bodies & national libraries to advocate for libraries!
Wonderful work by the great Craig Easton who has a superb new photobook on Orwell’s Jura … magazine.newstatesman.com/2025/12/11/p...
Photo essay: George Orwell’s late sanctuary
Craig Easton’s An Extremely Un-get-atable Place depicts the remote Scottish house where Orwell spent much of his final years
magazine.newstatesman.com
December 13, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Wonderful work by the great Craig Easton who has a superb new photobook on Orwell’s Jura … magazine.newstatesman.com/2025/12/11/p...
In the age of AI the world needs experts more than ever. I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing Arnoud S. Visser’s new book ‘On pedantry’ (Princeton University Press) for @theobserveruk.bsky.social. You need to subscribe but the whole paper is well worth the price! observer.co.uk/culture/book...
In defence of pedantry | The Observer
observer.co.uk
December 13, 2025 at 10:48 AM
In the age of AI the world needs experts more than ever. I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing Arnoud S. Visser’s new book ‘On pedantry’ (Princeton University Press) for @theobserveruk.bsky.social. You need to subscribe but the whole paper is well worth the price! observer.co.uk/culture/book...
Our very jolly Christmas party for staff and volunteers @bodleian.ox.ac.uk gave me a chance to say a massive heartfelt thanks to all for their amazing work for the students, researchers, & members of the public we serve globally (& some amazing crafting on display too). Ding Dong merrily on high!
December 10, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Our very jolly Christmas party for staff and volunteers @bodleian.ox.ac.uk gave me a chance to say a massive heartfelt thanks to all for their amazing work for the students, researchers, & members of the public we serve globally (& some amazing crafting on display too). Ding Dong merrily on high!
Martin Parr and @bodleian.ox.ac.uk - a brief tribute from me .... www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/about/media/...
Martin Parr (1952–2025): A Tribute
www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk
December 8, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Martin Parr and @bodleian.ox.ac.uk - a brief tribute from me .... www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/about/media/...
Devastated at the loss of Martin Parr, one of the greatest photographers of our time & a peerless champion of photography. I commissioned him @bodleian.ox.ac.uk to document @ox.ac.uk which became an exhibition & photobook, & he came to open our Paddy Summerfield show just a few weeks ago. RIP Martin
December 8, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Devastated at the loss of Martin Parr, one of the greatest photographers of our time & a peerless champion of photography. I commissioned him @bodleian.ox.ac.uk to document @ox.ac.uk which became an exhibition & photobook, & he came to open our Paddy Summerfield show just a few weeks ago. RIP Martin
Just caught up with the excellent episode of BBC Radio4's Start the week, this one featuring @naomialderman.bsky.social on her new book 'Dont burn anyone at the stake today' & Cory Doctorow, on his 'Enshittification' - wonderfully hosted by @tds153.bsky.social www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
BBC Radio 4 - Start the Week, Digital Futures and Information Crises
Cory Doctorow, Naomi Alderman and Oliver Moody with Tom Sutcliffe.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 30, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Just caught up with the excellent episode of BBC Radio4's Start the week, this one featuring @naomialderman.bsky.social on her new book 'Dont burn anyone at the stake today' & Cory Doctorow, on his 'Enshittification' - wonderfully hosted by @tds153.bsky.social www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...
Or a library
The death of browsing is part of the reason art is the way it is now. Our opinions are largely fed to us by algorithms. Spending a spare 15 minutes wandering around a bookstore or comic shop or video rental place was how you found stuff you wouldn't ordinarily pick up and thereby expanded your taste
Bookselling is like the most "people go to the store and buy what looks cool to them without a particular agenda" type business left, and your purchases have a huge influence on what is ordered, what is displayed, and what is recommended.
November 30, 2025 at 8:37 AM
Or a library
Another fine piece on defending democracy from @fromtga.bsky.social (I would add to the mix freely accessible libraries and archives of course) www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
My guide to populist-proofing your democracy – before it’s too late | Timothy Garton Ash
From public service broadcasting to an independent judiciary, these are the things that we must fight to keep, says Guardian columnist Timothy Garton Ash
www.theguardian.com
November 29, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Another fine piece on defending democracy from @fromtga.bsky.social (I would add to the mix freely accessible libraries and archives of course) www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Serene Port Meadow
November 25, 2025 at 7:28 AM
Serene Port Meadow
Come and apply to be the Professor of Bibliography & Modern Book History @engfacoutreach.bsky.social & @jesusoxford.bsky.social (and work closely with us @bodleian.ox.ac.uk). Following a long line of great scholars: Don McKenzie, Kathryn Sutherland, & Dirk van Hulle ... my.corehr.com/pls/uoxrecru...
my.corehr.com
November 23, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Come and apply to be the Professor of Bibliography & Modern Book History @engfacoutreach.bsky.social & @jesusoxford.bsky.social (and work closely with us @bodleian.ox.ac.uk). Following a long line of great scholars: Don McKenzie, Kathryn Sutherland, & Dirk van Hulle ... my.corehr.com/pls/uoxrecru...
Come along today to the Exam Schools on the High Street for the 2025 Oxford Indie Book Fair!
November 23, 2025 at 10:45 AM
Come along today to the Exam Schools on the High Street for the 2025 Oxford Indie Book Fair!
A golden Weston Library (@bodleian.ox.ac.uk) this morning
November 20, 2025 at 8:30 AM
A golden Weston Library (@bodleian.ox.ac.uk) this morning
James Hill brilliant last night @orieloxford.bsky.social talking about the ethics of photojournalism - masterful!
November 20, 2025 at 7:23 AM
James Hill brilliant last night @orieloxford.bsky.social talking about the ethics of photojournalism - masterful!
Come and visit her archive @bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Lovely short thread (with a v good piece at the end). I think Ruth's point at the end is entirely right. Also I think shows that 'being an effective minister' is a skillset in itself. Castle was not a transport wonk or labour market wonk or a welfare wonk, yet she was v effective in all three roles.
This week is Road Safety Week & a chance to talk about Barbara Castle!
Barbara was Transport Minister for three years yet she was able to introduce the Breathalyzer, a proper integrated transport strategy & more!
This was done despite fierce opposition.
📸 Photo from the Parliamentary Achieve
Barbara was Transport Minister for three years yet she was able to introduce the Breathalyzer, a proper integrated transport strategy & more!
This was done despite fierce opposition.
📸 Photo from the Parliamentary Achieve
November 19, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Come and visit her archive @bodleian.ox.ac.uk
Good to see the problems facing our colleagues @britishlibrary.bsky.social being raised here by @hetanshah.bsky.social (of @britishacademy.bsky.social). If this had happened in France it would be considered a national problem to be urgently addressed! www.cityam.com/the-british-...
The British library is in crisis: why does nobody care?
The widespread indifference to the British Library's crippling cyberattack demonstrates a perilous failure to value the knowledge infrastructure vital for national prosperity
www.cityam.com
November 18, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Good to see the problems facing our colleagues @britishlibrary.bsky.social being raised here by @hetanshah.bsky.social (of @britishacademy.bsky.social). If this had happened in France it would be considered a national problem to be urgently addressed! www.cityam.com/the-british-...
Modern constellation on Port Meadow
November 17, 2025 at 7:17 AM
Modern constellation on Port Meadow
Delighted to have been given the chance to review ‘Don’t burn anyone at the stake today’ the new and thought-provoking book from @naomialderman.bsky.social (published by Penguin/FigTree) in today’s @theobserveruk.bsky.social
November 16, 2025 at 10:58 AM
Delighted to have been given the chance to review ‘Don’t burn anyone at the stake today’ the new and thought-provoking book from @naomialderman.bsky.social (published by Penguin/FigTree) in today’s @theobserveruk.bsky.social