Jennifer Burns (Dunmurry

The one thing I think people should know about Roberta is that she was an articulate, strong-minded woman with great philosophical insight, who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, at a time when many women’s voices went unheard.

I selected this “fact” as her bravery really resonated with me in what was very much a male-dominated world in which she lived. While in some respects she embodied a traditional 1950s housewife, she was in fact so much more. She was well travelled, and held modern and socialist views during a very divisive period in Northern Ireland. She was engaging and sociable, providing great warmth in her husband John’s life, whilst also an integral part of his writing process. Despite her lack of education, although never treated as such, she was a match intellectually to her peers. Sadly, this lack of education and female status did hold her back from achieving employment and personal goals.

I think it is important that Roberta is not merely defined by her marriage or John’s work, but as a great writer and thinker herself, who found greater value in people and the world around her than those in her social circle mostly found from books and paintings.

Roberta Hewitt's 1947-1950 Diary. PRONI: D3838/4/2/1

Some of the quotes from Roberta Hewitt's 1951-1974 Diary (D3838/4/2/2) that I think illustrate her strong opinions and deep thoughts:

“Life and living and being as happy as one can be was more important than great art.” (p.540)

“When I am dead I will either know nothing or have greater wisdom and understanding so why not be happy.”(p.638)

“The world and I are very middle-aged. All the years we own between us don’t seem to have taught us wisdom.” (p.557)

“I went to the meeting out of sorts and got tired of too much talk and told them so. I was popular.” (p.639)

Personal Documents. PRONI: D3838/1/1

Letter to Roberta in relation to political matters: PRONI: D3838/4/1