We are deeply saddened by the passing of Alastair Niven, who served as President of English PEN from 2003 to 2007. Alastair was an inspiration to our community – past and present staff, members, and writers alike. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones.
Margaret Busby, President of English PEN (since 2023): “The sudden loss of Alastair Niven brings great sadness. I was privileged to have known him over five decades, during which time he held top roles in numerous august institutions – including the Africa Centre, the Arts Council, the British Council, and not least English PEN (2003–7), in a time of change. He had a particular interest and expertise in Commonwealth literature, especially by writers from the African continent, going back to the years he – and his wife Helen – spent in Ghana in the late 1960s. Beyond our shared work connections, Alastair was always a warm and supportive friend. My deepest condolences go to Helen and all his family.”
Gillian Slovo, President of English PEN (2010–2013): “As President of English PEN Alastair was a calm, inclusive presence who also always managed to get things done. After he left the PEN Board he was someone whose interest and cool counsel were invaluable. And what a lovely man as well. He will be badly missed.”
Philippe Sands, President of English PEN (2018–2023): “I did not know Alastair well, but our paths crossed at a time when English PEN faced a moment of singular difficulty. He reached out to offer advice, of a kind that reflected values of humanity and integrity, marked by a clear desire that the organisation should act correctly and in accordance with the highest principles of probity. I valued that advice and sought to act upon it. I recall the sense of concern and decency that characterised his intervention.”
Claire Armitstead, Honorary Vice President of English PEN (since 2024): “Alastair combined the combat-hardened wisdom of a culture industry veteran with an inspiring belief that things would work out. In good times and bad, he always showed up. His experience, insight and kindness are irreplaceable.”
Antonia Byatt, Director of English PEN (2017–2019): “Alastair was my first boss and mentor. He was generous, wise and committed but he also enjoyed a good lunch and gossip. I loved working with him. Over the years he has been hugely supportive of our sector – from the Arts Council (where I worked for him) to his board roles at Poetry Society, PEN and many other organisations. At Arts Council he set up the first Literature in Translation Programme – now administered by PEN. He was an incredible champion for international literature – in particular writing from Commonwealth countries but he also celebrated so many writers across the world who wrote in languages other than English. He went to court (and won) over providing writers’ bursaries to Black and Asian British writers and set up one of the first internship scheme for broadening access to the publishing industry to people from minority ethnic backgrounds. He set a new tone; I learnt so much from him, he introduced me to so many amazing writers and publishers. Alastair has left a permanent mark on the literary world. Very many condolences to Helen, Isabella and Alexander. We will all miss him.”