“Literary powerhouse” Barbara Taylor Bradford was one of the best-selling novelists of the 20th century and her legacy and impact has long been assured.
But on Thursday (February 26), Leeds came together to mark the place where she first started nurturing her love for reading and writing - Armley Library - with a blue plaque.
The lord mayor, Dan Cohen, described it as a “momentous moment” and Barbara Taylor Bradford, who started her career as a fledgling reporter at the Yorkshire Evening Post, was described at various points as an “icon” and “the true woman of substance”.
The plaque will be placed outside of the front of the library in tribute to the Armley-born novelist, who died aged 91 in November 2024, peacefully at home and “surrounded by her loved ones”.
The below gallery features our pictures from the spirit lifting event.
7. 'This was her home'
Mr Jones said: “It’s an amazing thing to be in the place that nurtured her and fired up her imagination. “To her friends and the people of Leeds, the trust is eternally grateful. There’s no place like home, as Dorothy said in The Wizard Of Oz, and this was her home.” | Tony Johnson
8. 'A literary icon'
Brenda Blethyn OBE said: "As we unveil this plaque, we remember Barbara Taylor Bradford as a literary icon and I hope this library where her career started can inspire a new generation of writers to follow in her footsteps. “Thank you everyone for coming here to celebrate the true woman of substance.” | Tony Johnson
9. 'The true woman of substance'
Brenda Blethyn OBE will play Emma Harte in an upcoming adaptation of A Woman Of Substance on Channel 4. | Tony Johnson
10. 'A literary powerhouse'
The plaque itself will be placed by the library entrance and reads: “This international bestselling author nurtured her love of books in this library. From her beginnings as a Yorkshire Evening Post reporter, she rose to become a literary powerhouse. Her debut novel, A Woman Of Substance, was her greatest success with over 30 million copies sold worldwide. 1933 - 2024.” | Tony Johnson