Dan Thompson Studio Substack

The Ragged Optimist 81

It’s impossible to write about hope and optimism this week without mentioning New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, who - aged just 34 - has inspired…

Nov 10 • 

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The Ragged Optimist 80

Beavers, lost buildings, and Bere Regis

Nov 3 • 

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October 2025

The Ragged Optimist 79

She had the odd conceit of those who write that words written are shared.

Oct 27 • 

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The Ragged Optimist 78

From little acorns...

Oct 20 • 

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The Ragged Optimist 77

Hope and joy to start the week the right way

Oct 13 • 

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The Ragged Optimist 76

It’s Sunday, and I’m in the studio, working on my ARMA Award commission for Fabrica. I worked with young people on Brighton’s Whitehawk estate, and have…

Oct 6 • 

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September 2025

The Ragged Optimist 75

The Ragged Optimist is still hopeful, but tired after a long weekend riding steam trains - so please accept a short newsletter this week.

Sep 29 • 

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The Ragged Optimist 74

I’ve just read Craftland by James Fox, ahead of talking to him about it for a (sold out - sorry) event with The Margate Bookshop.

Sep 22 • 

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The Ragged Optimist 73

I’m sitting in a room above The Margate Bookshop, surrounded by fantastical maps of the lost Isle of Whitehawk, and colourful trees created by workshop…

Sep 15 • 

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The Ragged Optimist 72

Every week, I start with the title - and I chose early on to number each post, in part because I’m a natural archivist and in part because it’s a good…

Sep 8 • 

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The Ragged Optimist 71

Hope, the Helm Wind, Harvest mice, and the Hastings Kelp Project

Sep 1 • 

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August 2025

The Ragged Optimist 70

'Somewhere in the black mining hills...'

Aug 25 • 

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