Edith Sitwell Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Dame Edith Sitwell was a renowned English poet and critic, born in 1887 into an aristocratic family. As the daughter of Sir George Sitwell, 4th Baronet, and Lady Ida Emily Augusta Denison, Edith grew up in a privileged but eccentric household. Her distinctive style and wit would later make her a prominent figure in London’s literary circles.

Sitwell’s poetry was known for its innovative rhythm and bold experimentation with form. Her most famous works include “Façade” (1923), a series of abstract poems set to music by William Walton, and “Gold Coast Customs” (1929), a scathing critique of Western civilization. Throughout her career, she collaborated with many notable artists and writers, including her brothers Osbert and Sacheverell Sitwell, who were also talented authors.

In recognition of her contributions to literature, Edith Sitwell was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 1954. She resided in Flat 42 at Greenhill, Hampstead High Street in Camden during the later years of her life until her death in 1964. The blue plaque commemorating her time at this address was erected in 1998. Camden, a vibrant borough in north London known for its rich cultural heritage and literary connections, was a fitting place for Dame Edith to call home.

Sitwell’s legacy as a pioneering modernist poet continues to inspire writers and readers alike. Her unique voice, biting wit, and fearless approach to her craft have cemented her place among the great literary figures of the 20th century. The blue plaque at her former Hampstead residence serves as a reminder of her enduring impact on English literature and the cultural landscape of London.