On the Road with Penguin Classics The Hearing Trumpet with Joanna Moorhead
Oct 6, 2022
Joanna Moorhead, a distinguished journalist and biographer known for her work on surrealist artist Leonora Carrington, joins the discussion from the picturesque Ardèche. They dive into Carrington's enchanting yet eco-apocalyptic novel, The Hearing Trumpet, and unravel her complex family dynamics and influence on art. The conversation highlights Carrington's resistance to societal norms while embracing Surrealism, her relationships with partners like Max Ernst, and the rich cultural backdrop of Mexico that shaped her legacy. It's an exploration of creativity, love, and belonging in turbulent times.
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Late-Life Friendship And Biography
- Joanna became Leonora's confidante in the artist's late life, sharing family news and spending birthdays together.
- Their close friendship began after that 2006 visit and deepened over years in Mexico City.
Chance Discovery Led To A Friendship
- Joanna Moorhead discovered her famous cousin Leonora Carrington by chance at a school party and Googled her name that night.
- She flew to Mexico in 2006, phoned Leonora's gallery and was welcomed for tea on the first ring.
Marion Mirrors Leonora's Later Life
- The Hearing Trumpet's 92-year-old Marion Leatherby mirrors aspects of Carrington's life in Mexico and her humor.
- Joanna spent Leonora's 92nd birthday with her and sees autobiographical echoes in the novel.