Interview with Fiametta Jackson-Thomas

Date
6, 7 July 1995 - 06 Jul 1995 - 07 Jul 1995
By
Owen, Alwyn, 1926-; Jackson-Thomas, Fiametta Cecilia, 1903-2003
Reference
OHColl-0312/1
Description

Fiametta Cecily Jackson-Thomas born Roslyn, Dunedin. Gives parents background and talks about father's life as a Punch and Judy expert, trapeze artist and snake handler until the age of 35 when he became a cabinet maker. Describes own school days, clothing worn, discipline in school, cadet uniform, chanting of tables, pole drill, description of games played, explaining how boys and girls played games differently. Recalls outbreak of World War I, its effects on women, friends receiving telegrams and comforting each other, white feather incident and attitutes to conscientious objectors. Talks about brother's involvement in World War II. Refers to 6 o'clock closing as a war measure. Recalls being only family in street not contacting flu during epidemic. Refers to garlic as used in Corsica.

Describes work experience, working in art department of photographic firm and going to School of Art 1/2 day per week. Talks about Ngaio Marsh who was in class. Refers to Ronald McKenzie, also in class. Recalls learning cabinetmaking which was considered radical for the period - 3rd woman in New Zealand to do so. Talks about social hierarchy of Christchurch. Mentions visit of Prince of Wales.

Backgrounds meeting and marrying husband, Arthur, and his brief involvement with the Communist Party. Describes helping watersiders during 1951 Waterfront Dispute and at end of dispute Arthur being made honorary Life Member of Seamen's Union. Talks about Walter Nash. Also refers to Bastion Point occupation and reads poem about Maori sweeper. Gives background to poem. Mentions husband's position of manager of Auckland's Progressive Book shop and invitation to publishing house in China to help Chinese writers in English. Describes time in China, cultural revolution and immense relief on leaving China. Describes her poetry writing and refers to poem `Idle time'.

Interviewer(s) - Alwyn Owen

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-011607-011609

Quantity: 2 C70 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 interview(s).

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4004.

Additional description

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-007381 - OHLC-007383

Use/Reproduction
Public use may require the written permission of the donor Copyright: Held by Fiametta Jackson-Thomas
Access restrictions
Partly restricted material
Format
2 C70 cassette(s), 1 printed abstract(s), 1 C90 cassette(s), 1 interview(s), Oral histories, Equipment used: Sony TCM-5000EV
There are 4 items in total.
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Other

Interview with Fiametta Jackson-Thomas, printed abstract

Date: 6, 7 July 1995

From: Interview with Fiametta Jackson-Thomas

Reference: OHA-4004

Description: Interviewer(s) - Alwyn Owen Quantity: 1 printed abstract(s).

Audio

Interview with Fiametta Jackson-Thomas, tape two

Date: 6 Jul 1995 - 06 Jul 1995

From: Interview with Fiametta Jackson-Thomas

Reference: OHC-011608

Description: Interviewer(s) - Alwyn Owen Arrangement: Tape sequence - tape 2 of 3 Quantity: 1 C70 cassette(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete.

Audio

Interview with Fiametta Jackson-Thomas, tape three

Date: 7 Jul 1995 - 07 Jul 1995

From: Interview with Fiametta Jackson-Thomas

Reference: OHC-011609

Description: Interviewer(s) - Alwyn Owen Arrangement: Tape sequence - tape 3 of 3 Quantity: 1 C70 cassette(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete.

Audio

Interview with Fiametta Jackson-Thomas, tape one

Date: 6 Jul 1995 - 06 Jul 1995

From: Interview with Fiametta Jackson-Thomas

Reference: OHC-011607

Description: Interviewer(s) - Alwyn Owen Arrangement: Tape sequence - tape 1 of 3 Quantity: 1 C70 cassette(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete.