Saturday 11th October

10.00 am

Drafting A World: A Poetry Writing Workshop Inspired By Philip Larkin’s Hull

Come join us at Artlink Hull for the second poetry writing workshop , building on the great success of last year’s workshop event with PLS Deputy Chair and podcast Tiny In All That Air presenter Lyn Lockwood and Nottingham based poet Jane Bluett. Beginning with a walk around The Avenues and Pearson Park, we will explore the world of Philip Larkin, as well as some of the fascinating inhabitants of this part of Hull, and let his works inspire you. This in-person event will guide you through crafting your own poems, exploring themes and styles reminiscent of Larkin’s iconic work. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, this workshop is a great opportunity to hone your skills and connect with fellow poetry enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on this chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of words.

We will email you a reading list of the Larkin poems we will be reading before the event to get you in the mood.

Numbers are limited. To book a place click here

Monday 20th October ‘Meet The Members’ Zoom

On Monday 20th October we shall be holding another of our popular ‘Meet The Members’ online events in which PLS members and trustees get a chance to talk about ‘all things Larkin’. One of the topics will be proposal to start up a Larkin Book Group. Members will receive a Zoom invite by email.

The 2026 Philip Larkin Society Conference -Call For Papers

Our next conference will be held at the University of Hull from 19-20th March 2026 and will celebrate the eightieth Anniversary of  the publication of Larkin’s first novel, Jill (1946). We are delighted to announced that poet Ros Barber will be joining us as the first of two
keynote speakers.

It is 1946 and Larkin has, in September, been appointed Assistant Librarian at University
College of Leicester. There, he first meets Monica Jones. In the following month, Jill is
published with The Fortune Press. The Second World War ended a year prior, and the welfare
state is in full swing, and with it, crucial legislation on education has been passed. This year
we celebrate the 80th anniversary of Jill.

Building on the successful programme of our 2022 and 2024 conferences, we will present a
range of approaches to Larkin’s work with contributors from across the arts and academic
landscape. We do not wish to confine this conference to academic research and though this is
very welcomed, we invite presenters to respond to Larkin’s work in a variety of ways. This
might include seminars, music, or the performing arts. We are an inclusive society and would
like to encourage submissions from people of all backgrounds and approaches. We are also
looking for ways to actively support and promote undergraduate and postgraduate
involvement.

Contributors are not expected to confine their approaches to Jill. We would be interested too
in broader presentations that explore Larkin’s two published novels as well as his
comparatively vast body of poetry, letters, journalism. Submissions on Larkin’s early poetry,
poems written “[a]t an age when self-importance would have been normal”, are also
encouraged. This might include a focus on Larkin the novelist, on the novels produced by his
contemporaries (John Wain, Kingsley Amis, John Braine etc.), the opportunity to use Jill as a
starting point for a discussion of Larkin’s work, or indeed wider social issues that the novel
touches on.

Currently the proposed format is 4 panels over two days, each consisting of 3×20 minute papers and
symposia/discussion forums, alongside the keynote speakers and performances. Speakers are
welcome to speak for longer than the allotted 20 minutes, but must specify their reason for
wishing to do so.

Proposals (up to 300 words) should be submitted to
philiplarkinsocietyconference@gmail.com by 1st December, 2025. For academic or research
based queries, please contact Daniel Vince (PLS Trustee) at d.d.vince63@gmail.com. For
non-academic or creative enquiries, travel, funding and accommodation, please email Lyn
Lockwood (Deputy Chair of the PLS) at lynlockwood70@yahoo.co.uk