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Leeds poet’s legacy returns to cemetery 40 years after sparking controversy

Cemetery turns stage for an exhibition celebrating the life and works of Leeds poet Tony Harrison who passed away last week
A photograph taken in a graveyard during daylight shows a tall, weathered stone grave monument inscribed with multiple names. The central inscription reads: "Joseph Harrison, butcher, Meadow Lane, who died Sept. 30th, 1855, aged 44 years. Interred at St. Mark’s Church Woodhouse." "Also Elizabeth, his wife, who died Dec. 1st, 1888, aged 77 years. Interred in this vault Dec. 4th." "Florrie Harrison, died December 13th, 1976." "Harry Ashton Harrison, died Feb. 21st, 1980." The monument features an ornate carved floral design at the top. Sunlight illuminates parts of the stone, creating shadows that emphasize its age and texture. In the background, trees and other gravestones are visible, along with a row of red-brick houses. The sky is bright with scattered clouds, suggesting a calm autumn or spring day. The foreground is partially framed by the edge of another grave monument and overhanging branches.
Source: Janie Barawitzka

A Leeds Cemetery will transform into a stage this October for an immersive poetry reading, marking a landmark anniversary.

The performance at Holbeck Cemetery celebrates Leeds poet, Tony Harrison, who died on Friday, and his iconic poem ‘v.’, inspired by the cemetery where his parents are buried.

A bright, slightly overcast day at Holbeck Cemetery in Leeds, England. The foreground features a large, dark blue welcome sign with white text reading "Welcome to Holbeck Cemetery," accompanied by a detailed map and illustrations of notable monuments within the grounds. Beneath the map, the sign is labeled with the Leeds City Council logo. Nearby, a smaller white sign also displays the cemetery's name and some rules or information for visitors. To the right of the signs, a paved path winds into the cemetery, flanked by green grass and mature trees, including a large willow tree. The cemetery itself stretches into the background with visible headstones and monuments scattered among the trees. The sky is mostly blue with patches of fluffy white clouds, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.Source: Janie Barawitzka | All Rights Reserved
Entrance to Holbeck Cemetery

‘V.’ A Homecoming, was organised by theatre company Slung Low and the London Review of Books, with readings taking place on Sunday 12th October at 12pm and 2:30pm, followed by a 5pm reprise at The Warehouse, which includes a panel discussion.

Joanna Resnick, Chief Executive of Slung Low, played a big role in organising the event, believing that their reputation as an agency allows them to host in unusual places.

She said, “We’re very mindful of the environment we are creating, and how we are inviting and hosting people in that space.”

Audiences will listen to the poem through headphones, giving them an immersive experience into Harrison’s writing.

“Because of the headphones system, you are choosing to come and attend the event and be part of that moment and celebration, as opposed to interrupting other people who might be coming into that space, especially with the nature of the poem and the language.”

A peaceful scene in Holbeck Cemetery on a sunny day with scattered clouds. In the foreground to the left is a decorative black metal gate featuring silhouettes of gravestones, flowers, and people, with dates “1857–1940” and the words “GUINEA V POEM” incorporated into the design. The gate stands on a patch of green grass with some fallen leaves. To the right, an asphalt path curves gently through the cemetery. Large, old gravestones and obelisks stand solemnly along the right side of the path, some partly covered in ivy. A magnificent weeping willow tree dominates the background, its long, green branches cascading toward the ground. Additional trees and headstones are visible further down the path, creating a serene and reflective atmosphere.Source: Janie Barawitzka | All Rights Reserved

Directed by Kully Thiarai, the cast includes Barrie Rutter, Riana Duce, Dominic Gately, Linda-Ray Ndvolu and Keith Saha, with music and sound by Matthew Bugg and Matt Angove.

Harrison, who died on September 26 2025, wrote his poem ‘v.’ after discovering racist graffiti at his parents grave, it explores themes of class, familiy, racism, industrial decline and football.

In 1987, Channel 4 broadcast his poem, but due to the nature of the explicit language, there was a public outrage, even being described by the Daily Mail as a ‘torrent of four-letter filth’.

Sam Kinchin-Smith from London Review of Books, believes Harrison’s poem is a late 20th-century literary and political masterpiece.

“Bringing ‘v.’ home would have been impossible without the amazing energy, creativity and improvisatory spirit of Slung Low.”

“This will be a unique literary occasion, and a very special one: above all, a day of gratitude.”

A photograph taken in a graveyard during daylight shows a tall, weathered stone grave monument inscribed with multiple names. The central inscription reads: "Joseph Harrison, butcher, Meadow Lane, who died Sept. 30th, 1855, aged 44 years. Interred at St. Mark’s Church Woodhouse." "Also Elizabeth, his wife, who died Dec. 1st, 1888, aged 77 years. Interred in this vault Dec. 4th." "Florrie Harrison, died December 13th, 1976." "Harry Ashton Harrison, died Feb. 21st, 1980." The monument features an ornate carved floral design at the top. Sunlight illuminates parts of the stone, creating shadows that emphasize its age and texture. In the background, trees and other gravestones are visible, along with a row of red-brick houses. The sky is bright with scattered clouds, suggesting a calm autumn or spring day. The foreground is partially framed by the edge of another grave monument and overhanging branches.Source: Janie Barawitzka | All Rights Reserved
Grave of Florrie and Harry Harrison, Tony Harrison’s parents

Kully Thiari, CEO of LEEDS 2023, has worked with Slung Low to direct the event, resonating with Harrison’s poems personally,

“As a working class teenager growing up in the 80s, much of what Harrison captures in ‘v.’ is a potent reminder of the world I had to navigate. Yet it seems as I read the poem now it demands our attention even more powerfully today, in a world where there is so much division and fear.”

“It demands our attention even more powerfully today, enabling us all to look at how we might come together for a more helpful future.”

Tickets are available and pay what you decide. If you can’t make the 12th, many of Harrison’s archives are held at the University of Leeds, which the public have free access to on appointment.

Picture of Janie Barawitzka

Janie Barawitzka

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