The International Authors Forum mourns the loss of Maureen Duffy, one of its founders.
Maureen Duffy was a pioneering novelist, playwright, poet and tireless advocate for authors’ rights. Throughout a career spanning more than six decades, she challenged conventions, expanded representation in literature and worked relentlessly to improve the conditions under which authors create and earn a living. Her intellectual rigour, determination and generosity left a lasting mark on literature and on the international authors’ community.
Maureen’s literary career spanned more than six decades and established her as one of the most distinctive and influential voices in contemporary British literature. A novelist, playwright, poet and critic, she published more than 60 works across a wide range of genres. Her writing was characterised by originality, insight and a willingness to explore subjects that challenged social conventions. Through works such as That’s How It Was and The Microcosm, she broadened representation in literature and helped bring previously marginalised voices and experiences into the mainstream. Widely respected by readers, fellow authors and critics alike, she was elected a Vice-President of the Royal Society of Literature and awarded its Benson Medal for lifetime achievement. Remarkably prolific throughout her life, she continued to publish new work into her eighties, including the poetry collection Wanderer in 2020 and her first book for children, Sadie and the Sea Dogs, in 2021. Alongside her literary achievements, she remained committed to a range of ethical and social causes, including animal welfare, reflecting the values that informed both her writing and her public life.
Maureen dedicated her life to strengthening the rights of authors in the United Kingdom and internationally. She understood early on how changes in technology, publishing and the global book market were reshaping the conditions in which writers worked, and she fought to ensure that authors were treated with fairness, recognition and respect. In the UK, she co-founded the Authors’ Licensing and Collecting Society in 1977, later serving as its Chair and Honorary President. Her leadership helped establish principles that continue to underpin secondary rights protections today, making a vital contribution to author earnings at a time when creative livelihoods face increasing pressure. She was also a lifelong supporter of Public Lending Right and a committed advocate for human rights and equality.
Her contribution to the International Authors Forum was profound. Maureen was not only one of its founders but also its driving force. At a moment when authors’ organisations were grappling with rapid technological change and increasing globalisation, she recognised the urgent need for a unified international voice. She brought together organisations from across the world and helped shape IAF into a platform where authors could collaborate, share knowledge and advocate collectively for their rights. Her leadership established the principles that still define IAF today: fairness, solidarity and the belief that authors everywhere deserve to be heard.
Reflecting on her contribution to the organisation, IAF Secretary General Kevin Fitzgerald CGM said:
‘Maureen was a real inspiration. Not only did she have an innovative mind, but she had drive to deliver new ideas for the benefit of authors’.
Maureen’s influence extended to the global policy arena. She mobilised authors’ support for the Marrakesh Treaty at the World Intellectual Property Organization, helping to secure access to literary works for blind and visually impaired readers worldwide. Her clarity of thought, strategic instinct and unwavering commitment to justice made her a respected and persuasive voice in international discussions on copyright and access to culture.
Those who had the privilege of working with Maureen will remember not only her visionary leadership and tireless advocacy, but also her warmth, kindness and unwavering belief in the power of writers to shape society and inspire change. Perhaps most importantly, she was a loyal friend.
Maureen’s legacy will remain at the heart of IAF. Her vision helped shape our organisation from its earliest days, and her commitment to fairness, creativity and international collaboration continues to guide our work. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all those touched by her life and work. She will be deeply missed.
