Tony Harrison: Prime Minister's message as blue plaque unveiled in honour of Leeds poet

A blue plaque has been unveiled celebrating the life of Leeds-poet Tony Harrison whose controversial poem “v” was recently named by the Prime Minister as his favourite.

Tony Harrison was born in Leeds on April 30, 1937 and lived into his twenties at 120 Tempest Road in Beeston with his parents Harry and Florrie Harrison and sister Anne.

At the age of 11, he won a scholarship to Leeds Grammar School where he first observed the tension between class and privilege – a topic that was to become a lifelong theme in his writings.

He joined the University of Leeds in 1955 as an undergraduate in the Classics Department. He developed links with the School of English, and their journal Poetry and Audience, which he went on to edit, published his first poem in 1957, “When Shall I Tune My ‘Doric Reed.’”

During this time, he developed his interest in theatre and performance. He trod the boards at the Empire Theatre on Briggate (now Harvey Nichols) and wrote sketches with fellow students, including the late writer and comedian Barry Cryer and the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, the Nigerian poet, writer and playwright Wole Soyinka.

His most studied poem at a Level is “v” which was written during the miner’s strike and televised by Richard Eyre for Channel 4 in 1987.

This brought together his characteristic flair for rhyme, working class imagery and use of the Leeds vernacular. The poem considers the graffiti-defaced graveyard where his parents are buried and discusses class and race-based conflict in a location used then used as a hang out by skinheads. Not for the first time.

Harrison caused controversy, with Gerald Howarth MP complaining about a “torrent of filth” in spite of not having read much of the poem.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has described “v” as his favourite book. His father gave his support to his son reading English Literature at Cambridge University after he showed him the poem.

The blue plaque was unveiled by Leeds Civic Trust at The Hamara Healthy Living Centre in Beeston located across the road from his childhood home, 120 Tempest Road, where the plaque will eventually be installed.

It was unveiled by Tony’s daughter Jane, his partner the actor Sian Thomas and Richard Burgon MP, who nominated Tony Harrison, who died last year, for a blue plaque

In a statement read at the ceremony by Richard Burgon, Andy Burnham paid tribute to the poet.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “I am so sorry I can’t be with you all today due to the need to be in Parliament to make a statement. And, anyway, it’s Tony’s fault – as there is no way I would be in this job in the first place were it not for him and the effect he has had on my life!

“This blue plaque marks the setting for what I believe to be some of the most powerful poems ever written in the English language. Beautiful poems like Bookends capture for eternity the raw emotion of the conversations that once echoed around this house and all of the complexity about class that so many of us feel. It was under this roof that the finest voice in modern English literature was forged and it is therefore completely fitting that this address will forever be adorned in this way. Thank you to Tony’s family and friends and everyone from the Leeds Civic Trust who made it happen.”

Leeds Civic Trust director, Martin Hamilton, said: “In the national year of reading, it is appropriate that we unveil a plaque to celebrate one of the greatest poets of the last 100 years. Tony’s impact on poetry and drama was huge and he drew inspiration from his working-class background to express his world view without fear or favour.”

Nominator MP Richard Burgon said: “Tony Harrison is truly one of the greatest poets this country has ever produced. On the page, stage, screen and in his incredible readings, he made poetry count. Leeds can be so proud to have given the world Tony Harrison. I am delighted that the house in Beeston Tony grew up in is getting a wonderful Leeds Civic Trust blue plaque.”

Jane Harrison, Tony Harrison’s daughter, said: “A wonderful opportunity to celebrate Leeds and the Northern roots that were so very important to my Dad. Thank you Leeds Civic Trust and the people of Beeston.”

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Sian Thomas, Tony Harrison’s partner, said: “I know Tony would be so thrilled and moved to have this blue plaque on his childhood home in Tempest Road, Leeds. Not only because the house itself played such an important part in his childhood and development, but also the plaque will help Tony himself, as the great international poet he became, to be remembered in such a vital way in the heart of the city that has always meant so much to him.”

Leeds Civic Trust promotes the improvements of Leeds in the spheres of planning, architecture, heritage and city amenities and is responsible for the blue plaque scheme in the city.

Since 1987 the Trust has unveiled more than 200 plaques across the district celebrating people, events and buildings that have made a significant contribution to the city of Leeds