Debating Owen

As the co-author of a new study of Robert Owen, I cannot help but view with amusement Michael Fry's critique of the cherry- picking of Owen's reputation (Opinion, 3 June), which in turn cherry-picks highly selectively from criticisms of Owen levelled by some of his contemporaries.

It is hardly surprising to learn that Owen is an ambivalent figure from our national past. Mr Fry will find that most of the personalities adorning our banknotes have complex and contradictory reputations, from Robert Burns to Adam Smith. It is the duty of the historian to understand this complexity rather than simplistically adjudicate it by the (often confused) ethical standards of our own time.

We can only comprehend Owen's philanthropic achievements at New Lanark by situating them in their historical context – a task which soon teaches us that Owen's innovations in education, welfare, health, industrial production and co-operation were astonishing in their anticipation of values we now regard as fundamental to civilised society. Hence his perfectly legitimate appearance on our banknotes.

PROF ROBERT A DAVIS

Deputy Dean

Faculty of Education

University of Glasgow