The lives and legacies of Iona and Peter Opie

Abstract

This article outlines the biographies of Iona (1923 –) and Peter (1918–1982) Opie and describes their aims, methods and theoretical orientation with particular reference to their work on children's play and games in the third quarter of the twentieth century. The account illustrates their separate identities as well as portraying the joint working relationship they built up as a husband-and-wife team. The Opies’ reputation as pioneer researchers into children's folklore in the UK and beyond derives from their publications, which have become classics in the field and widely read by a general audience as well as by academics and professionals. The Opies’ scholarship and its reception and impact are considered here. The article also describes the Opies’ archival collection, especially their ‘working papers’ and sound recordings, and highlights the importance of evaluating the Opies’ contribution in terms of their archival legacy, as well as their published works.