Hull Central Library is hosting a free new exhibition illustrating the life of Philip Larkin.
Larkin's Lighted Rooms: Love, Death and Hull, is an immersive experience featuring film, poems, music and readings drawn from Philip Larkin's life in Hull.
The installation has been commissioned as part of Larkin 100, a celebration of Larkin’s centenary. It has been designed by Zsolt Baloch and Kathryn Johnson of Palma Studios, the creative team responsible for Made in Hull, which opened Hull’s 2017 City of Culture year to great acclaim.
The Estate of Philip Larkin, The Philip Larkin Society and other associated bodies have granted access to Larkin’s personal photographs, letters, draft poetry, artefacts and even doodles. These will all be included in an immersive experience utilising multiple projectors and surround sound to turn the beautiful James Reckitt Reading Room into a representation of Larkin’s internal thoughts and external influences as he lives and works in Hull. Larkin’s Lighted Rooms has been funded by The James Reckitt Library Trust as part of Larkin 100.
The exhibition begins on Saturday 3 December and runs until Wednesday 21 December 2022, at Hull Central Library on Albion Street. It’s suitable for people of all ages to enjoy.
Councillor Allison Collinson, Chair of Hull Culture and Leisure Ltd (HCAL) said: “This exhibition is a wonderful, colourful exploration of the life of Philip Larkin, as he lived and worked in the city. It’s a great opportunity for people in Hull to learn more about Larkin in this significant year, what would have been his 100th birthday. I encourage our residents, young and old, to come and enjoy this free exhibition about one of Hull’s most famous adopted sons.”
