Giant People:
Philip Larkin
Philip Larkin is widely regarded as one of the leading British literary figures of the twentieth century. Although he never officially held the title, the ‘Other Poet Laureate’ (as he was often referred to) wrote some of the nation’s most well-loved verse and was commemorated with a memorial in Poet’s Corner at Westminster Abbey in 2016.
The Wellington Connection
The poet-librarian, who once described books as “a load of crap”, became Wellington’s librarian in 1943. The North Ship, his first collection of poetry, and his debut novel Jill were both published while he lived in the town, and were largely written between shifts in the public reading room.
Why Is It Important
Besides being the place where half of his published work was written, Wellington was the location that moulded Larkin’s attitudes to life, love and work. It was here he began his professional career, lived independently for the first time, and began his first serious relationship: the subject matter that would inform his greatest work in the years to come.
Giant Steps
Larkin spent the best part of three years living in Wellington. Despite likening his situation to a “hole of toad’s turds”, he was surprising sociable. Many of his former haunts can still be visited today and the Larkin Way footpath provides a physical link between the old library he helped transform and the one that replaced it — replete with shocking pink décor, Larkin’s favourite colour! In Market Street, a mural (part of the town’s Makers Dozen Trail) depicting Larkin’s eventful residency can be found on the side of the Pheasant pub.
Elsewhere
- For an in-depth appreciation of Philip Larkin’s Wellington years.
- Discover more about the Public Library in which he worked.
- Read a list of Ten Larkin Wellington Haunts.
Giant Steps
Larkin spent the best part of three years living in Wellington. Despite likening his situation to a “hole of toad’s turds”, he was surprising sociable. Many of his former haunts can still be visited today and the Larkin Way footpath provides a physical link between the old library he helped transform and the one that replaced it — replete with shocking pink décor, Larkin’s favourite colour! In Market Street, a mural (part of the town’s Makers Dozen Trail) depicting Larkin’s eventful residency can be found on the side of the Pheasant pub.
Elsewhere
- For an in-depth appreciation of Philip Larkin’s Wellington years.
- Discover more about the Public Library in which he worked.
- Read a list of Ten Larkin Wellington Haunts.