Gentleman Jack TV star and writer unveil tribute to icon
A SCULPTURE honouring Halifax heroine Anne Lister has been unveiled at The Piece Hall by the star and creator of the hit drama based around her life, Gentleman Jack.
Suranne Jones, who played the entrepreneur and landowner in the popular series, and Sally Wainwright, who created the show, joined sculptor Diane Lawrenson to reveal the statue on Sunday.
The installation, named “Contemplation”, has been made possible thanks to the work of The Piece Hall Trust.
It will be on permanent display at the iconic building in Halifax.
“It’s fantastic that we’re able to honour her legacy in such a beautiful and historical venue.”
“It felt right that we, as The Piece Hall Trust, helped enable this remarkable new piece of art, commemorating a woman who continues to have such an impact locally, nationally, and internationally,” said chief executive of The Piece Hall Trust, Nicky Chance-Thompson.
“I’m proud that The Piece Hall will pay homage in this way for visitors from around the world to visit and experience.”
Gentleman Jack writer and Piece Hall Patron Sally Wainwright said: “Anne Lister is a huge inspiration.
“She is a source of inspiration to me and the fact that Gentleman Jack has resonated with
REVEALED: Suranne Jones and Sally Wainwright with the Anne Lister statue. Sculptor Diane Lawrenson with her creation (top right) and Suranne posing for pictures with fans.
audiences around the world has been very special for me.
“To be involved in the unveiling is such a privilege and my thanks go out to Nicky, Sir Roger Marsh, and everyone at The Piece Hall Trust for enabling this; Diane for creating such a beautiful piece of art, and Suranne for helping me to tell Anne Lister’s remarkable story
in such a sensitive and powerful way.
“It’s fantastic that we’re able to honour her legacy in such a beautiful and historical venue that would have been part of her day-to-day life here in Halifax.”
Suranne added: “Anne Lister’s story is one that I have been privileged to play a part in telling and the response to Gentlemen
Jack from audiences around the world has been astonishing.
“Halifax and Calderdale have played an important role in my own life since the first series of Gentleman Jack aired on TV, and I’m delighted that this new installation has a permanent home in such a stunning venue.”
The famous Shibden Hall
heiress was a remarkable woman and her fascinating diaries detailed her life, loves, health, business interests and politics.
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