As you might have seen, the journalist and writer Charlotte Raven died last week. I say ‘you might have seen’ because – despite being more-than-averagely-interested in Charlotte Raven – I actually hadn’t seen, and didn’t know.
Wonderful tribute to Charlotte, and lovely to hear such nice things said about TMR after all these years – I was fortunate enough to have helped out on the mag until its demise.
Not everything you read about those days is true, but quite a bit is!
(And a hat-tip to Jules for pointing me in the direction of The Metropolitan – good luck with all your creative endeavours… )
Marvellous. I have nothing coherent to say, except: CHARLOTTE RAVEN!!!! because that captures all that I feel. She was (still is) the epitome of womanly cool, and was just how I wanted to be when I was young (I'm 2 years her senior). That sarcastic eye-roll, take me or leave me stance was magnificent to witness for a speccy, insecure swot, and I carried it with me, and finally have what it takes to be a Modern Review kind of a gal. Also, I knew that The Metropolitan reminded me of something....
I was a weird teenager (obviously) but I remember seeing her on The Word and thinking that she was quirkily attractive but more strikingly than that just obviously clever and vibrant. (I had to check the spelling.)
The Modern Review was a highlight of London life in the 90s. Much missed. I guess it would be on Substack these days but I’m nostalgic for the sight of its tabloid face in the newsagent’s rack, and buying it, knowing I had a stimulating few hours of reading ahead.
Yes, in retrospect it seems fairly clear that they were both a bit trollish (although Burchill was also talented and I suppose you have to admit that Young has parlayed a considerable career out of…something?), whereas Raven was more intellectually rooted, I think, and less willing to play that game. I read one of her articles about Huntington’s - it certainly stayed with me.
Lovely name checking of excellent 90s women Rowan. I so agree about that small window. I was a bit young for Charlotte Raven to be anything but a scandalous, fascinating name - but how awesome to have such scandals and fascination to remember.
What a tribute. Wonderful.
Wonderful tribute to Charlotte, and lovely to hear such nice things said about TMR after all these years – I was fortunate enough to have helped out on the mag until its demise.
Not everything you read about those days is true, but quite a bit is!
(And a hat-tip to Jules for pointing me in the direction of The Metropolitan – good luck with all your creative endeavours… )
Thank you! Have just seen La Burchill’s post, am slightly overwhelmed. If you ever want to write a tell-all, please let us know ;-)
Marvellous. I have nothing coherent to say, except: CHARLOTTE RAVEN!!!! because that captures all that I feel. She was (still is) the epitome of womanly cool, and was just how I wanted to be when I was young (I'm 2 years her senior). That sarcastic eye-roll, take me or leave me stance was magnificent to witness for a speccy, insecure swot, and I carried it with me, and finally have what it takes to be a Modern Review kind of a gal. Also, I knew that The Metropolitan reminded me of something....
Gawd bless you Lou. I’m sure you’re the coolest of them all
If only. I fear it's still aspirational not material, but I have made peace with my lack of coolth.
Still an enormous fan of Katie Puckrik. Her BBC series on yacht rock was an absolute joy.
I spelled her name wrong didn’t I. Tobias loved that series too, we had Steely Dan on in the car for weeks afterwards
I was a weird teenager (obviously) but I remember seeing her on The Word and thinking that she was quirkily attractive but more strikingly than that just obviously clever and vibrant. (I had to check the spelling.)
The Modern Review was a highlight of London life in the 90s. Much missed. I guess it would be on Substack these days but I’m nostalgic for the sight of its tabloid face in the newsagent’s rack, and buying it, knowing I had a stimulating few hours of reading ahead.
It really was. I think that and Smash Hits (not at the same time) were the only magazines I ever felt ‘seen’ by.
Now I've got to do it again: SMASH HITS!!!
https://open.substack.com/pub/metropolitan/p/britains-most-fanciable?r=ume3&utm_medium=ios
Her writing about Huntington's is quite astonishing, and its effects quite possibly intertwined with aspects of her personality.
Of the Young-Burchill-Raven trio she was ironically the least alienating in terms of the personas they ended up inhabiting journalistically.
Sad to hear of her passing.
Yes, in retrospect it seems fairly clear that they were both a bit trollish (although Burchill was also talented and I suppose you have to admit that Young has parlayed a considerable career out of…something?), whereas Raven was more intellectually rooted, I think, and less willing to play that game. I read one of her articles about Huntington’s - it certainly stayed with me.
Lovely name checking of excellent 90s women Rowan. I so agree about that small window. I was a bit young for Charlotte Raven to be anything but a scandalous, fascinating name - but how awesome to have such scandals and fascination to remember.
Thanks Jenny. I hope she had a lot of fun.