From Poland to Blackpool: A Tribute to Maria Pawlikowska-Jasnorzewska

Organised by Blackpool Polish Community, the event invites local residents to discover a fascinating chapter of the town’s wartime history — one that connects Blackpool with Poland’s cultural heritage.

While Pawlikowska-Jasnorzewska is regarded as one of the most important Polish poets of the 20th century, few may realise that she once lived in Blackpool during the Second World War. Her husband, Stefan Jasnorzewski, served as a pilot with the Royal Air Force, at a time when Blackpool became an important base and refuge for Polish servicemen. The town played a significant role in hosting Polish forces, strengthening the long-standing ties between the two nations.

The candlelit gathering, lasting approximately two hours, will present poetry from different stages of the writer’s life — from delicate reflections on love and nature to more poignant works shaped by war, displacement and exile. Organisers kindly ask guests to arrive promptly to fully experience the carefully curated programme.

Often referred to as the “Polish Sappho,” Pawlikowska-Jasnorzewska was born into the prominent Kossak artistic family; her father, Wojciech Kossak, was a well-known painter. She became one of the most widely read poets in interwar Poland, admired for her emotional sensitivity and modern voice.

After leaving Poland during the war, she remained in England, where she spent her final years. She died in Manchester in 1945 and is buried at Southern Cemetery — another enduring link between Polish cultural history and the North West of England.

Organisers hope the evening will resonate not only with poetry enthusiasts but also with local residents interested in Blackpool’s diverse heritage. The event highlights the long history of cultural exchange between Poland and the United Kingdom — a story of shared wartime experiences, migration and mutual influence that continues today.

The event forms part of ongoing efforts to highlight Blackpool’s multicultural heritage and the historic ties between the Polish and British communities.