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NOTE FROM TED: TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: We all leave archives of information behind us, whether its photos or diaries they offer us a rich a tapestry as to who we’ve been. In 2021 Guy Mankowski was given the unseen archive of Kristen Pfaff, member of the cult band Hole. Using her archive of personal effects to create a portrait Guy discovered that the person emerging was extremely different to their public persona. Now he shares the radical idea that by delving into our own archives and exploring our past selves we can reappraise who we truly are. Dr Guy Mankowski was singer in the signed band Alba Nova. He is the author of novels including ‘Letters from Yelena’, which was researched in the world of Russian ballet. It won an Arts Council Literature Award, was adapted for the stage and used in GCSE training. He also writes about music, and penned ‘Albion’s Secret History: Snapshots of England’s Pop Rebels and Outsiders.’ He is a lecturer in Creative Writing at Lincoln University. During lockdown, he found himself in the unusual position of being given the archive of a famous pop star, an archive that even her family hadn't opened... This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at
