Larkin's words set to greet visitors at Hull Interchange

TEXT from Larkin poems is to be set into the concourse at Hull Interchange.

Five slate roundels, each a metre wide, will bear lines from the poet's works.

They will be placed around the Larkin statue, which was unveiled last December, marking the 25th anniversary of his death.

The roundels will be unveiled on December 2, exactly a year after the statue, by sculptor Martin Jennings.

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The texts on the roundels is being kept a closely guarded secret until the unveiling.

Carole Collinson, chairman of the commissioning group for both the statue and roundels, said: "The roundels complement and enhance the statue.

"Physically, they add to the impact of the statue and extend its compass to a wider and broader space creating a 'Larkin area' of the station.

"Not only will people stop to look at the statue and have their photograph taken beside it – this happens on average every ten minutes according to station staff – but they will linger to read the inscriptions and perhaps be inspired to go away and read more of Larkin's poetry."

An unveiling speech will be given by Lord Mayor Colin Inglis, before the texts are revealed one by one by five people who have given support to Larkin's memory.

They include Hull West and Hessle MP Alan Johnson.

Larkin spent 30 years in Hull as librarian at the University Of Hull. During his time in the city, he produced a significant amount of poetry.

Professor Eddie Dawes, chairman of the Philip Larkin Society, said: "We are delighted that the first anniversary of the unveiling of Martin Jennings's superb Larkin statue will be celebrated by the embellishment of its surround, with the unveiling of five roundels, each bearing memorable lines from Larkin poems selected by Martin."

The bronze Larkin statue has the poet rushing to catch a train with his manuscript in one hand and his hat in the other.

Professor Graham Chesters, vice-chairman of the Philip Larkin Society, said: "Paragon is a gem of a station and these features will make it even more attractive."

The roundels have been paid for with money left over from fundraising for the statue.