Leeds Poetry collections
We hold extensive archives (including original manuscripts, correspondence and tape-recordings) relating to poetry connected with the University between 1950 and 1980.
These resources bear witness to a vibrant regional literary culture centred on the University in the post-war period, and have much to offer scholars, historians, and readers of modern English poetry.
Poetry publishing in Leeds
The University of Leeds has a long history of publishing poetry, dating back to the pre-Charter days of the Yorkshire College in the late 19th century.
Student and staff poetry has been published in a number of journals, anthologies, and magazines. These include:
- The Gryphon (first published in 1897)
- A Northern Venture (1923)
- Leeds University Verse anthology 1914-1924
- Leeds University Verse anthology 1924-1948
- Leeds University Poetry anthology, 1949
- Leeds University Poetry anthology, 1950
- Leeds University Poetry anthology, 1954
- Leeds University Poetry anthology, 1956
- Poetry and Audience magazine (1953 to present)
- Stand magazine (1952 to present)
- Northern House pamphlets (1963 to 1995)
Collections include the personal archives of many poets associated with the University, within which you can find notebooks, drafts, correspondence and research material detailing the creative process and working life of a poet.
The archives of poetry magazines include copies of publications, correspondence and business records.
Explore the history of poetry publishing at Leeds in greater detail in our Leeds Poetry 1950-1980 research spotlight.