In 1936 George Orwell (Eric Blair) stayed briefly in a house on Estcourt Avenue, Headingley, visiting his sister Marjorie, who was married to Humphrey Dakin. He had spent much of the year traveling around the north of England, researching and documenting the widespread working class poverty of the time. In Leeds, he made final adjustments to his notes, and 'The Road to Wigan Pier' was published the following year.
In the first week of March, 2022, we intend to hold an event with a theme based on the book which will begin with a walk from Estcourt Avenue to the Heart Centre. Local actor and jazz trumpeter Jem Dobbs (Bassa Bassa, Des the Miner) will begin the walk by talking about his memories of the house, where he was born and grew up. The speakers at Heart have not been finalised, but the focus will be on the book and on the modern resonances which it creates. Hopefully, there will be other Orwell-related events as well.
Why not read the book now so that you are well prepared?
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