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December 2010 sees the twenty-fifth anniversary of Philip Larkin’s death. The Larkin Society has taken the lead in initiating a commemoration in partnership with the University of Hull, Hull City Council and Visit Hull and East Yorkshire. The aim is to mark this significant anniversary in a way that is worthy both of the poet and the City with which his creative and professional life is most associated. The commemorative programme goes under the banner of Larkin 25 and is planned to cover a period of roughly 25 weeks, beginning in June 2010. The driving objectives are to celebrate the artistic and professional achievements of Larkin, to make a national and international impact as well as raise appreciation of creativity within Hull itself, and to leave a legacy that will help to ensure Larkin’s place as one of the City’s cultural icons.
So far, the Steering Group that is overseeing the commemoration is exploring a long list of exciting ideas, recognising that not all will be realised, not least because of the challenge of securing funding. Five key priorities have nevertheless been identified: a refreshed Larkin trail; a series of exhibitions; one or more pieces of public art; the institution of an international poetry prize; and a range of commissioned work. The trail will cover both Hull and East Yorkshire and will largely be based on Jean Hartley’s book; the intention is to take advantage of new technologies to enrich the experience (for example, through downloaded commentaries, poetry readings). The base from where relevant documentation is collected will be the History Centre in Hull, a new and striking building supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund which, from 2009, will house the City’s archives and those University archives which have relevance to the City (including Larkin’s papers). The planned exhibitions have an ambitious range, seeking to cover the many aspects of Larkin’s life: as man, poet, jazz-lover, photographer, artist, and librarian. The Larkin Society will lead on the public art theme with ideas considered including a statue (on Paragon Station?), carved text (lines from ‘Whitsun Weddings’ on Paragon Station?) and even a fountain (to celebrate ‘Water’?). The University of Hull is taking the initiative in seeking sponsorship for a substantial poetry prize which, it is hoped, will be competed for not just in 2010 but thereafter; if funding permits, there will also be a young poetry prize in 2010. Commissioned work, an idea strongly supported by City Council representatives, could include settings of Larkin’s poetry to music, jazz, drama and photography.
Other proposals which have strong Larkin 25 endorsement include a new, updated version of ‘A Rumoured City’, a lecture series given by distinguished academics and Larkin devotees, a Larkin focus in both the annual Humber Mouth Literature Festival and the Hull Jazz Festival, a performance of Anthony Hedges’ ‘Bridge for the Living’ by the Hull Choral Union, publication of a Larkin letter a day in a newspaper, a boxed CD set of Larkin-related jazz etc.
This preliminary notice is intended to inform PLS members of the plans afoot to mark the anniversary but also to ask for support in terms of spreading the word and – especially – letting us have your comments on some of the ideas proposed, offers of help and suggestions for other ways of commemorating the passing of a great poet. All responses would be welcomed.
Graham Chesters,
Chair, Larkin 25 Steering Group
October 2008
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