Skip to main content

Public Statues and Sculpture Association

Anne Lister (Gentleman Jack)

Photo: courtesy of Janice Reaburn-Shaw

Sculptor: Diane Lawrenson

Founder: Powder Hall Bronze Edinburgh

Materials: Bronze

Unveiled: 26 September 2021 by actress Suranne Jones, who played Lister in the television series 'Gentleman Jack' and Sally Wainwright, who created the series.

Anne Lister (Gentleman Jack)

Anne Lister (‘Gentleman Jack’) (1791–1840) a diarist, landowner and entrepreneur. Known as ‘the first modern lesbian’, Lister had affairs with several women, which she recorded in code in her diaries, and entered into a partnership with one named Ann Walker. This lifesize bronze which is entitled Contemplation is located in the centre of The Piece Hall, Halifax not far from her family home, Shibden Hall, which is on the outskirts of the town.

Location: The Piece Hall, Halifax, West Yorkshire.