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Anne Lister - First Lesbian Statue in UK?

Jan. 22, 2022

photo: Janice Reaburn Shaw

This statue of Anne Lister (1791-1840); successful female entrepreneur, prominent 19th century diarist, landowner, and “first modern lesbian” was erected in Halifax in 2021. This might be the first staue of a woman whose lesbian sexuality is part of her public identity. She lived at nearby Shibden Hall until her death in 1840 and wrote an estimated five million words detailing her life as a landowner and businesswoman and her liaisons with other women, as well as portraying the network of relationships between women of the gentry and aristocracy in early 19th century Halifax and beyond.

The actor Suranne Jones who played Anne in the tv series "Gentleman Jack " unveiled the statue and was joined by the BBC series creator Sally Wainwright and sculptor Diane Lawrenson ( seen in image with Suranne and the statue) at the Piece Hall in Halifax as the life-size bronze sculpture of Anne reclining on a plinth was revealed. Chief Executive of The Piece Hall Trust, Nicky Chance-Thompson. She said: “It’s vitally important that we continue to tell the story of strong women throughout history, whether it’s through our television screens like Gentleman Jack or works like this that will encourage people to delve deeper into her life."

The installation, called ‘Contemplation’, which was funded by The Piece Hall Trust, rounded off a series of events to mark the 181st anniversary of Lister’s death.

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/people/sculpture-unveiled-of-gentleman-jack-anne-lister-at-halifaxs-piece-hall-3397064