Richard Titmuss Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Richard Titmuss (1907-1973) was a pioneering British social scientist who made significant contributions to the study of social policy and the welfare state. He lived at 32 Twyford Avenue in Acton, London, from 1951 until his death in 1973.

Titmuss played a key role in shaping the post-war welfare state in Britain. His research and writings on social inequality, poverty, and the role of government in providing social services helped to establish social policy as an academic discipline. He was a strong advocate for universal healthcare and argued that the welfare state was essential for promoting social cohesion and reducing inequality.

During his time at the London School of Economics (LSE), Titmuss founded the Department of Social Administration, which later became the Department of Social Policy. He also served as an advisor to the Labour Party and was influential in shaping their social policies. His most famous work, “The Gift Relationship” (1970), examined the social and economic aspects of blood donation and highlighted the importance of altruism in society.

Titmuss’s home in Acton, located in the Borough of Ealing, served as a base for his research and writing. Ealing is known for its diverse population and has a rich history of social activism and reform. The borough was home to several other notable figures, including the playwright Alan Ayckbourn and the musician Dusty Springfield.

Today, Richard Titmuss is remembered as one of the most influential social scientists of the 20th century. His ideas continue to shape debates about social policy and the role of the welfare state in contemporary society. The blue plaque at his former home in Acton serves as a reminder of his lasting impact and the importance of his work in promoting social justice and equality.