Ann Taylor

Ann Gilbert (née Taylor, 1782–1866) was a poet and literary critic. She frequently collaborated and published poetry with her sister Jane (see below). Sometimes the attribution of their writings has been confused, usually to Jane’s advantage. Ann supported prison reform, the anti-slavery campaign and animal welfare, but was opposed to women’s suffrage. Her strong literary style can be see in her historically interesting autobiography (The Autobiography and Other Memorials of Mrs Gilbert, formerly Ann Taylor, ed. J. Gilbert, London, 1874).

Ann is depicted in this sculpture, Twinkle, arm in arm with Jane, who points up at the night sky towards a twinkling star. A reference to Jane’s poem ‘The Star’, the first line of which became a nursery rhyme.

For further information see Jane Taylor.

Location: High Street, Colchester, Essex