Lina Waterfield: A Life of Journalism and Anti-Fascism
Lina Waterfield was a formidable figure in 20th-century journalism and cultural diplomacy. Her life was defined by a deep connection to Italy, a commitment to intellectual exchange, and a courageous stance against the rise of totalitarianism. From founding cultural institutions to reporting on the brutality of Fascism, Waterfield navigated the volatile political landscape of Europe with precision and bravery.
Early Life and Residences
Following her marriage, Lina and her husband spent significant time researching and writing books, including a period in Palermo and a high-pressure three-month stint in Rome. The couple eventually established their primary home at the Fortezza della Brunella near Aulla, which they leased before purchasing in 1924. To maintain their ties to their homeland, they also leased Northbourne Court in Kent as an English residence until the First World War.
The couple had three children: Gordon (1903–1987), John (1909–1942), and Carinthia (1911–1995), known as Kinta. In her autobiography, Kinta reflected on her parents' unique lifestyle, noting that they possessed all the luxuries of life but none of the necessities.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Founding the British Institute of Florence
During the First World War, Lina Waterfield took a proactive role in countering anti-British propaganda spread by Italian Socialists. In 1916, she established a library in Florence to serve as a British center. With the support of John Buchan, a prominent London propagandist, this initiative evolved into the British Institute of Florence. As the first institution of its kind, it was officially opened by the British ambassador in 1918. For her pivotal role in fostering Anglo-Italian relations, Waterfield was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire).
Journalism and the Fight Against Fascism
In 1921, Waterfield began her tenure as the Italian correspondent for The Observer. Her role placed her at the center of Italy's political upheaval, where she interviewed Benito Mussolini multiple times both before and after his ascent to power. Unlike many of her contemporaries, Waterfield used her reports to clearly describe the brutality of the Fascist regime.
Her unwavering anti-fascism eventually led to a conflict with J. L. Garvin, the editor of The Observer. Garvin believed that Britain needed to maintain a diplomatic relationship with Italy to prevent it from aligning with Nazi Germany. Consequently, he ended Waterfield's position in 1935 due to the strength of her opposition to Fascism.
War, Loss, and Later Career
Following the death of her aunt, Janet Ross, in 1927, the family moved to Poggio Gherardo, which was bequeathed to her son John with a life interest for Lina. However, the outbreak of the Second World War forced the family to leave Italy. They returned briefly during the Phony War—the period of relative inactivity at the start of the conflict—but were forced to flee to France via the last available train in June 1940, just before Italy declared war.
The war brought profound personal tragedy: her son John was killed in active service in Malta in 1942, and her husband, Aubrey, passed away in 1944. In January 1946, Lina returned to Poggio Gherardo after being invited by Ian Fleming to serve as the Italian correspondent for The Sunday Times. Fleming's requests for her reports were often eclectic, ranging from political analysis to cultural observations on Italian social habits.
Waterfield continued her work for Kemsley Newspapers until 1950. She eventually sold the Poggio Gherardo estate and returned to the Fortezza della Brunella before moving back to England in 1952 to live with Kinta in Kent. Lina Waterfield passed away in Sandwich on November 27, 1964.
Key Facts
- Cultural Legacy: Founded the British Institute of Florence in 1916 to counter anti-British propaganda.
- Journalistic Courage: Reported on the brutality of Mussolini's Fascist regime for The Observer.
- Political Conflict: Lost her position at The Observer in 1935 due to her strong anti-fascist views.
- Honors: Received the OBE for her work in establishing the British Institute of Florence.
- Post-War Work: Recruited by Ian Fleming to write for The Sunday Times in 1946.
| Year/Period | Event/Role | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1916 | Founded Florence Library | Became the British Institute of Florence (1918) |
| 1921–1935 | Correspondent for The Observer | Reported on Mussolini and Fascist brutality |
| 1924 | Purchased Fortezza della Brunella | Established primary family home in Italy |
| 1946–1950 | Correspondent for The Sunday Times | Recruited by Ian Fleming after WWII |
| 1964 | Death | Passed away in Sandwich, England |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Lina Waterfield dismissed from The Observer?
She was dismissed in 1935 by editor J. L. Garvin because her anti-fascist reporting was deemed too strong. Garvin believed Britain should maintain a relationship with Italy to prevent it from forming an alliance with Nazi Germany.
What was the British Institute of Florence?
It was the first institution of its kind, founded by Waterfield in 1916 as a library to counter anti-British propaganda in Italy during the First World War. It was officially opened in 1918.
Who recruited Lina Waterfield to work for The Sunday Times?
She was invited to become the Italian correspondent for The Sunday Times in 1946 by Ian Fleming.
Where did Lina Waterfield spend most of her life?
She spent much of her life in Italy, primarily at the Fortezza della Brunella and Poggio Gherardo, while also maintaining a residence at Northbourne Court in Kent, England.
What happened to Lina Waterfield's children?
She had three children: Gordon, John, and Carinthia (Kinta). Her son John was killed in active service in Malta in 1942.