‘Larkin’s Lighted Rooms’: Central Library to host immersive new exhibition

Philip Larkin

By Simon Bristow

Hull’s Central Library is to host a free new exhibition illustrating the life of poet Philip Larkin.

Larkin’s Lighted Rooms: Love, Death and Hull, is described as an immersive experience featuring film, poetry, music and readings from Larkin's life in Hull.

The installation has been commissioned as part of Larkin100, 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 lived and worked in Hull.

The project has been funded by The James Reckitt Library Trust as part of Larkin100.

The exhibition begins on Saturday, December 3, and runs until Wednesday, December 21, at Hull Central Library on Albion Street. It’s suitable for all ages.

Councillor Allison Collinson, chair of Hull Culture and Leisure Ltd, 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.”