Iona Opie (1923-2017)

We were extremely sad to hear of the death of Iona Opie. Iona, with husband Peter, conducted magnificent and enormous work into children’s folklore, with publications attesting to sympathetic, intelligent fieldwork and extensive reading. Her contribution in that field alone is of inestimable significance, and she has left researchers a vast archive of documented material for future examination. It should also be noted that her work took place within, and was a major part of, the post-war revival of the Folklore Society’s intellectual work and standing, restoring the study of folklore in Britain to a more respected position. She played a great role, serving in the Society for many years, and will be much missed.