AFTER a difficult few weeks with Arts Council England cutting off its grant, that unique publication The London Magazine is bouncing back with a vengeance tomorrow (Friday).
That’s when the bi-monthly’s delayed December/January issue is to be released under its acting editor Sara-Mae Tuson, who has taken over pending the appointment of a new editor.
Ms Tuson told me this week that, its difficulties notwithstanding, the London Magazine will very definitely be staying in business. “We are committed to the future of the magazine, come what may,” she says. “We look forward to bringing you the best and brightest of London’s artists, poets and writers throughout 2008 – and long after.”
The Arts Council ignored protests from leading figures in the capital’s literary and artistic community and withdrew the magazine’s £30,000 grant. Sebastian Barker, its editor for the past six years, felt unable to continue under these circumstances and resigned.
But the mood at the magazine this week was upbeat. And in an open letter to readers on its website, Ms Tuson assures readers that the February/March issue is on schedule and “normal service will be resumed”. HOWARD HANNAH