When I worked in the British Film Institute’s education department in the 1960s, we regarded Penelope Houston as a conservative figure. We were forced to reconsider our views when the institute’s financial situation became a matter of some concern. Paddy Whannel, then head of the education department, thought the institute’s finances weren’t under proper control (rightly as it later turned out). He received little support from the other members of the executive when he expressed his concerns. Although she differed from Paddy in many respects, Penelope gave him strong support. She was a liberal in the best way – she stood by her principles when it mattered.
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