Interview with Les and Mary Cleveland

Les and Mary Cleveland were contemporaries of Denis Glover in Wellington. Les Cleveland talks about meeting Denis Glover at the Caxton Press in Christchurch, and his experience as a client of Glover's. Mentions Glover's work at the Wingfield Press. Talks about the culture of post-war drinking that Glover was involved with, the pubs and the consequent short working days.

Les Cleveland talks about Glover's wife Khura and describes their relationship. Recalls Glover's poetic style as lyrical, and giving insights into the South Island landscape. Comments that 'Sings Harry' was Glover's best work, and compares it to contemporary poets Allen Curnow and Rex Fairburn.

Les Cleveland comments on Glover as a performer, which, combined with the alcohol, was his downfall. Talks about Glover's son, Rupert, and the difficult early years he and his mother experienced on their own without Glover.

Mary Cleveland talks about Janet Paul and Glover's relationship, and describes Janet Paul's reaction to love poems Glover wrote to her and published after they separated. Mentions the recording of Glover's poems that Les Cleveland made.

Mary Cleveland talks about an incident at Waiteata Press when Glover and Paul visited Mary and Les Cleveland there. Describes Felicity's kindness to Glover after Khura died.

Interviewer(s) - Gordon Ogilvie

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-8790

Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 interview(s).

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-2802.