Philip Larkin Statue - Image 1
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Philip Larkin Statue

4.3
·12 reviews·Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom

A dynamic bronze sculpture of Philip Larkin, Hull's most celebrated poet and librarian, captured in motion within Paragon Station.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Anytime during station hours

Always accessible within the station.

CrowdMedium
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Philip Larkin Statue - Image 1

Philip Larkin Statue

Best Time

Anytime during station hours

Always accessible within the station.

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A dynamic bronze sculpture of Philip Larkin, Hull's most celebrated poet and librarian, captured in motion within Paragon Station.

4.3
(12 reviews)

"The sculpture captures motion in a striking manner."

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📍 Station Location

Find the statue near the ticket barriers at Hull Paragon Station .

🚶‍♂️ Capture the Motion

Larkin is shown in motion, a dynamic sculpture worth observing from different angles .

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dynamic Sculpture

Dynamic Sculpture

Hull Paragon Station

Larkin captured in motion, a striking and lifelike portrayal of the poet and librarian.

Poet's Legacy

Poet's Legacy

Hull Paragon Station

A tribute to Philip Larkin, Hull's most famous poet, unveiled on the 25th anniversary of his death.

Station's Artistry

Station's Artistry

Hull Paragon Station

Part of Hull Paragon Station's rich artistic heritage, including murals and plaques.

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Location & Context

Find the Philip Larkin Statue inside Hull Paragon Station, near the ticket barriers. It's a tribute to Hull's most famous poet, unveiled on the 25th anniversary of his death.Reddit

Poet's Persona

Larkin is depicted in motion, capturing his busy nature, a departure from traditional static statues. Appreciate the artistry of Martin Jenkins' sculpture.Reddit

Best Times

When
Anytime during station hours
Why
Always accessible within the station.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@ricardolagomarsin I hope this is the poem you are looking for, please let me know! It's a very funny one by Philip Larkin entitled "This Be The Verse" #zoewanamaker #spokenenglish #spokenpoetry #recitation #funny #larkin #fyp
@jcpoetry_
66.5K likes • 874.9K views

📍 Station Location

Find the statue near the ticket barriers at Hull Paragon Station.Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Capture the Motion

Larkin is shown in motion, a dynamic sculpture worth observing from different angles.Reddit

“What a hole, what witless, crapulous people.” Only in Hull would they put up a statue of someone who hated the place! In fairness he eventually grew to like it but he was a miserable bastard at the best of times. ... ... #streetphotography #candid #fujixseries #fujifilm #fujixcameras #fujilove #photooftheday #potdh #fujifilm_street #fujixpassion #newcastlelife #streetphotographymagazine #ne...
chrisharrisonphotog
42 likes • 0 views
reddit.com

Doing a Hull one in near future similar to these I would appreciate your ideas

📜 Nearby Plaques

Look for a blue plaque nearby celebrating another Hull notable.Reddit

📚 Poet's Life

Learn about Larkin's life as a poet, novelist, and librarian at the University of Hull.Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

📍 Station Location

Find the statue near the ticket barriers at Hull Paragon Station.Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Capture the Motion

Larkin is shown in motion, a dynamic sculpture worth observing from different angles.Reddit

📜 Nearby Plaques

Look for a blue plaque nearby celebrating another Hull notable.Reddit

📚 Poet's Life

Learn about Larkin's life as a poet, novelist, and librarian at the University of Hull.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(12 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the dynamic portrayal of Philip Larkin in Martin Jenkins' sculpture, capturing his active nature. The statue's placement within Hull Paragon Station, alongside other historical markers, adds to its appeal as a tribute to the city's most famous poet.

"I am a fan of Larkins poetry although he was a controversial and devisive figure. The sculpture captures motion in a striking manner."

John Scarr

"The Philip Larkin statue is a life-size statue to the poet and librarian of Hull University. The statue was unveiled on the 2nd December 2010, the 25th anniversary of his death. The statue was sculpted by martin Jenkins, who also made a statue of Sir John Betjeman, which is in St Pancras station."

Andrew Nell

"This is just one of several pieces worth looking at in Hull Paragon Station. It’s the first thing that you see when you come through the recently installed ticket barriers.
I particularly like the movement of the statue; Larkin is shown as a busy man as opposed to more traditional statues of famous people where the person is typically depicted as standing still.
Lookout for the blue plaque on the wall close by, celebrating another famous person from Hull."

Anne Marie Stagg

What People Like

Dynamic sculpture
Poet's legacy
Station's artistry

What People Dislike

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Philip Larkin Statue is located inside Hull Paragon Station, a central transport hub. You can reach the station by bus, train, or taxi. Once inside, head towards the ticket barriers to find the statue.Reddit

Hull Paragon Station is generally accessible, with facilities for passengers with disabilities. The statue is located in a public area of the station, making it easy to view.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Philip Larkin Statue is located in the public concourse of Hull Paragon Station, so no ticket is required to view it.Reddit

The statue is accessible whenever Hull Paragon Station is open, typically from early morning until late at night. Check the station's specific operating hours for details.

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed in public areas of train stations. Capture the dynamic pose of the statue.Reddit

The statue is indoors, so lighting will be consistent. However, consider the station's general foot traffic when planning your shots to avoid crowds.

🎫 🏛️ About the Statue

The statue is of Philip Larkin, a renowned English poet, novelist, and librarian who was based at the University of Hull.Reddit

The statue was unveiled on December 2nd, 2010, marking the 25th anniversary of Philip Larkin's death.Reddit

The statue was sculpted by Martin Jenkins, who also created the statue of Sir John Betjeman at St Pancras station.Reddit

Unlike traditional static statues, this sculpture captures Larkin in motion, reflecting his active persona as a busy man.Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Literary Enthusiasts

For fans of Philip Larkin's poetry, the statue is a must-see pilgrimage. It offers a tangible connection to the poet, capturing his essence in bronze. Take time to appreciate the dynamic pose, a departure from traditional static monuments, and consider the context of his life as both a celebrated poet and a dedicated librarian at the University of Hull.Reddit Don't forget to look for the nearby blue plaque that further marks his significance to the city.Reddit

History Buffs & Art Appreciators

The Philip Larkin Statue is more than just a memorial; it's a piece of public art within the historic Hull Paragon Station. Appreciate the craftsmanship of sculptor Martin Jenkins, who has depicted Larkin in a lifelike, active pose.Reddit The station itself boasts other artistic elements, including murals and plaques, contributing to its rich heritage. The statue serves as a focal point, inviting reflection on Hull's cultural contributions and its notable figures.Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistry of Martin Jenkins

The Philip Larkin Statue is a testament to the skill of sculptor Martin Jenkins. Known for his ability to capture personality and movement, Jenkins has brought the poet to life in bronze. His work on the Larkin statue, depicting him in a dynamic pose, is a deliberate choice to move away from the more common, static representations of famous figures.Reddit This approach allows viewers to connect with Larkin not just as a literary icon, but as a person in motion, perhaps on his way to the library or contemplating his next verse.

Jenkins' portfolio includes other notable works, such as the statue of Sir John Betjeman at London's St Pancras International station. This connection highlights his expertise in immortalizing literary and cultural figures. The Philip Larkin Statue, therefore, is not just a memorial but a piece of art that invites contemplation on the poet's life and work, all within the bustling environment of Hull Paragon Station.Reddit

Philip Larkin: Poet and Librarian

Philip Larkin (1922-1985) is widely regarded as one of Britain's most significant post-war poets. His work is often characterized by its melancholic tone, sharp wit, and unflinching examination of everyday life, love, and loss. Beyond his literary achievements, Larkin also served as the Chief Librarian at the University of Hull for over three decades, a role that deeply influenced his perspective and writing.Reddit His tenure saw the expansion of the university's library, and he was known for his dedication to the institution.

Larkin's connection to Hull is profound. Despite his sometimes critical views of the city, he became its most celebrated literary figure. The statue's placement in Hull Paragon Station, a gateway to the city, serves as a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy. Visitors can also seek out a nearby blue plaque that further commemorates his presence in Hull.Reddit Understanding his dual role as poet and librarian adds a layer of appreciation to the statue, symbolizing his intellectual and creative life.

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