Janet Blackman obituary

[Guest Nicole]

My friend Janet Blackman, who has died aged 82, was an internationalist, teacher, academic and community arts advocate.

She worked tirelessly to promote the aims of the United Nations. Whether chairing a policy review sub-committee with Lord (David) Hannay in attendance, or a branch meeting for local people, Janet welcomed everyone’s opinion. She carried the UN charter in her handbag and was always prepared to demonstrate how an international problem could be peacefully resolved through the UN.

An early member of the United Nations Association, she was chair of UNA international service, and for many years chaired the UNA annual conference. When two Jehovah’s Witnesses came to her door and asked her whether she understood what was wrong with the world, they tottered back down the driveway 20 minutes later, Janet having given them a brisk summary of the international situation and the steps needed to resolve global difficulties. She turned to me with her bright smile and said: “Well, they did ask.”

Janet was born in Guildford, Surrey. Her father, Percy, known as Jack, was a railwayman, children’s entertainer and staunch member of the railway workers’ union Aslef. Her mother, May (nee Chapman), kept the home, which was a magnet for those in trouble. The socialist values of her upbringing informed her entire life.

After leaving Guildford high school, Janet studied history at Bedford College, London, and in 1962 became a lecturer at the University of Hull, where she stayed until retiring in 2001. For many years she was in charge of admissions, latterly becoming head of department.

In 1976, with her colleague Keith Nield, Janet started the international journal Social History. She became its sole editor upon his death in 2010, and retired from the editor’s chair in 2014. Her particular gift as an editor was to enable contributors to see deeper possibilities in their work. An unpromising article could be transformed into a major study with her insight and encouragement.

In 1970 Janet, with the playwright Alan Plater, helped to found Hull Arts Centre. She was chair during the 1970s and early 80s, during which it developed into the Humberside theatre, a hive of artistic creativity. Youth theatre, pottery, art exhibitions, music-making, community plays, a resident acting company and visiting companies made Spring Street a vibrant place.

In her retirement Janet was an enthusiastic and faithful supporter of cultural events, especially music, in and around Hull. She was thrilled when it was named UK City of Culture 2017.

Her casework for the Association of University Teachers meant that she locked horns with the Hull University administration. Many colleagues were able to continue their work as a consequence of her commitment and skill.

Janet had a gift for hospitality at her beautiful Victorian home in Cottingham. My children and many others enjoyed cooking, sewing, painting, gardening and being listened to attentively. She was still providing a haven for teenagers into her 80s.

Janet is survived by her sister, Diana.

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/feb/14/janet-blackman-obituary