The Orwell Society
UK-based literary and educational organisation dedicated to promoting the work and legacy of George Orwell.
Patron: Richard Blair
George Orwell
George Orwell is the renowned author of Nineteen Eighty-Four, Animal Farm, Homage to Catalonia, and numerous essays on politics, culture, and society.
The Orwell Society, founded in 2011, aims to encourage a deeper understanding of Orwell’s ideas, his commitment to truth, and his relevance in contemporary times.
The Orwell Society Mission
The Orwell Society operates with the primary goal of advancing the study and appreciation of Orwell’s literary and journalistic contributions.
The Society is independent and is not Party Political. The Society supports research into Orwell’s life and work including that on the themes of totalitarianism, freedom of speech, and social justice, and encourages the application of his insights to modern political and cultural issues.
Activities
The society organises a variety of activities, including:
- Lectures and Conferences – Hosting talks by Orwell scholars, journalists, and writers who explore Orwell’s influence on literature and political thought.
- Educational Initiatives – Supporting students, researchers, and writers through essay competitions and grants to encourage engagement with Orwell’s work.
- Publications and Newsletters – Producing articles, book reviews, and newsletters to keep members updated on Orwell-related discussions and new research.
- Guided Tours and Visits – Arranging visits to key Orwellian sites, such as his birthplace in India, his homes in the UK, and locations significant to The Road to Wigan Pier and Homage to Catalonia.
- Social Media and Online Presence – Engaging with a wider audience through its website, blog, and social media platforms, where Orwell’s ideas are discussed in relation to contemporary issues.
How to Join The Orwell Society
The Orwell Society is a registered UK charity and all subscriptions and donations go towards promoting the life and work of George Orwell.
We welcome members from all backgrounds, including academics, students, and general readers interested in Orwell’s work. Members gain access to exclusive events, research materials, and discussions on Orwell’s enduring impact.
Latest Articles
Art Exhibition in Carlisle Cathedral
Quentin Kopp, Chair of the Orwell Society, reports on art inspired by George Orwell’s Scottish island home * Liz and I had the pleasure of getting an advanced look at the work produced by eminent artists Michael and Anne Batey, who spent a summer week on Jura as the guest of Rob Fletcher. Michael invited → Read full article
The Missing Artifact
Is George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four Typewriter Hiding in a Leith Attic? asks Charlie Ellis For lovers of literature, the desire to touch, see, or even use the tools of a writing hero runs deep. We’re irresistibly drawn to the physical objects – the pens, notebooks, and desks – that connect a writer’s mind to the → Read full article
Barnsley, March 2026
Bruce Dear, Orwell Society Education Officer, reports on a visit to Barnsley, accompanied by OS Chair, Quentin Kopp * With apologies to Winston Smith, hope for the future lies not in the proles but in our children and young people. Only they can make a better world from this uncertain and challenging one that we → Read full article
Barnsley Plaque Unveiling
The third of the towns visited by George Orwell in 1936, after Wigan and Sheffield, was Barnsley. He arrived in mid-March. The Orwell Society, and its Chair, Quentin Kopp, were pleased to join civic dignitaries on April 26th 2024, to see a plaque installed close to Orwell’s lodgings on Agnes Terrace . Quentin Kopp praised → Read full article
The Orwell Statue
The Orwell Society owns the statue of Orwell (sculpted by Martin Jennings) outside Broadcasting House the headquarters of the BBC in London.
International
