THE life of an acclaimed writer and early LGBTQ+ champion, Sylvia Townsend Warner, is set to be immortalised in bronze in Dorchester.

Plans have been submitted to Dorset Council, which would see a statue placed outside Goulds Fashion Store on 11 to 12 South Street.

It would be accompanied by an information board explaining more about Townsend Warner’s life.

This comes after a campaign was launched by Visible Women UK, a group that seeks to celebrate the achievements of forgotten “sheroes” through statues, reached more than £50,000.

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Sylvia Townsend Warner (1893 to 1978) is best known for her novels Lolly Willowes and The Corner That Held Them, as well as contributing short stories to the New Yorker for more than 40 years.

She spent most of her adult life in rural Dorset with her long-term partner, the poet Valentine Ackland.

This was at a time when same-sex relationships were heavily stigmatised, and their partnership defied societal expectations, positioning both Townsend Warner and Ackland as pioneers for LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance.

Visible Women UK say the statue will serve as a focal point of remembrance and respect, celebrating Dorchester’s rich and diverse heritage while ensuring that her personal and literary story continues to inspire.

They said: “Especially in rural communities, where LGBTQ+ heritage can often be lost or overlooked, such a tribute would provide visibility and connection, offering the next generation a chance to see themselves reflected in their town’s history.

“By championing Townsend Warner’s legacy, we aim to introduce her work to new readers, inspire further scholarly debate, and pave the way for greater acceptance and equality.”

Sylvia in the 1920s Picture: Crowdfunder/Visible Women UK

As Townsend was a fond cat lover, Visible Women have proposed to include a statue of a cat alongside her immortalisation.

The chosen cat model is Dorchester’s famous Susie the Cat, who is often spotted exploring the town, and her owners had to change her name tag to read “Susie – Not lost, just adventurous” as she was often mistaken as a stray.

To view and comment on the plans, search P/FUL/2025/01150 on the planning section of Dorset Council’s website.