Larkin: 

New Eyes Each Year

This biographic exhibition at the University of Hull from 5 July to 1 October 2017, where Larkin spent three decades as Librarian, lifted the lid on the life of one of Hull's most influential creatives.

Featuring his love of music, unseen letters, photography and personal possessions, Larkin: New Eyes Each Year explored connections between Larkin's life and work in Hull and the writing that led to him being described as Britain's best loved poet.

Produced by: Cian Smyth with Laura Beddows
Curated by: Anna Farthing
Designed by: Craig Oldham at Office of Craig

Commissioned by Hull UK City of Culture 2017 in association with The Philip Larkin Society and the University of Hull Archives.

Grayson Perry Grayson Perry opened the exhibition with a talk about the influence of Larkin on his work.
Ann Thwaite Ann Thwaite: friend, author and biographer at the opening.
Andrew Motion Presented the world premiere of his documentary film, 'Motion on Larkin.'
Anthony Thwaite Anthony Thwaite: friend and biographer of Larkin's at the opening.
Larkin's personal collection of his life's work. 'Six slim volumes' of poetry, two novels and one volume of his many library committee minutes.

Promotional Film

Virtual walk-through 

 
 

Toads by Philip Larkin

A scan of Philip Larkin's journal pages drafting his classic poem 'Toads'
 

Monica