VIVIAN USHERWOOD
• Poet
A groundbreaking young Hackney poet whose raw and heartfelt poems brought the borough centre stage in the 1970s. Vivian Usherwood opened doors for Black youth representation in literature and inspired generations. His legacy remains rooted in education and local community activism.
Born in Jamaica, Vivian moved to Britain and attended Hackney Downs School. His poems explored his life, emotions and experiences growing up in Hackney. He was described as a ‘talented young man’ whose poems were greatly ‘admired’.
In 1972, at just 12 years old, Usherwood became one of the youngest and best-selling poets of his day with the support of two schoolteachers. His poetry collection, Poems, became the first publication of Centerprise, the radical Dalston community centre and bookshop (1971–2012). The first 500 copies sold out within two months, with over 8,000 copies sold by March 1978. Usherwood’s promising life was tragically cut short when he died in a house fire in Stoke Newington, aged just 21.
Vivian’s impact continues to be recognised through Hackney’s cultural heritage. In 2016, his poetry was featured in Hackney Museum’s A Hackney Autobiography: Remembering Centerprise. In 2026, his work inspired Peer UK Gallery’s Peer Ambassador youth programme.
Why Hackney Matters
For Vivian Usherwood, Hackney was where the young poet found his voice, surrounded by a community who saw his light. His connection to Centerprise reflects a cultural legacy that created space for Black working-class voices and community activism.
Did you know?
Vivian Usherwood appeared on the BBC Two Saturday-night culture show Full House, where he performed his poetry to a national television audience.