An archive of poetry displayed in London’s “Poems On The Underground” has been donated to Cambridge University. This collection will now be accessible at the university for the public to enjoy and study.
An archive of works featured in London’s Poems On The Underground is now at Cambridge University.
Cambridge University Library has received a donation of numerous posters and memorabilia items from the public art initiative known as Poems On The Underground. The project, which commenced in 1986, involved displaying posters featuring the works of renowned literary figures throughout London’s Tube network.
Included in the archive is a letter penned by the late poet Philip Larkin, who passed away before witnessing his own words gracing the Tube. The University highlighted that the archive is now accessible to the public for consultation.
Poems On The Underground was originally conceptualized by writers Judith Chernaik, Gerard Benson, and Cicely Herbert. Among the collection are various items, including the letter from Larkin to Chernaik, regarding his poem “The Trees,” which adorned trains on the Underground back in 1986.
Larkin, who passed away at the age of 63 in December 1985, dictated the letter in July of that year due to his declining health.
In the letter, he expressed, “I’m pleased to hear that your project is receiving positive consideration. It makes me ponder whether I’ll ever have the chance to witness one of the poems in the suggested setting.”
Seamus Heaney, the Irish poet, expressed his admiration for the prioritization of the underground poems project, acknowledging its significant impact. In a card dated 1999, he commended the project, stating, “I admire you for keeping the underground poems a priority: it is worth doing and has made a difference, I am sure, to the life-worth of poetry for many people.” He concluded with his blessings on the work.
Heaney’s own contribution, “The Railway Children,” debuted in the inaugural set of Poems On The Underground posters in January 1986. John Wells, a senior archivist at Cambridge University Library, emphasized the richness of the archive, noting its documentation of various activities supported by Poems On The Underground, including poetry posters, readings, concerts, and publications.
Reflecting on the archive’s significance, Ms. Chernaik expressed immense gratification knowing that it is now housed and organized within one of the world’s greatest libraries. She highlighted its accessibility to readers and researchers alike, emphasizing its relevance to those interested in public art spaces and the enduring voices of poets past and present, who serve as poignant witnesses to their times.
This archive is a treasure trove of poignant and inspiring verses, capturing the essence of the bustling city life. The collection, filled with the musings of both established and aspiring poets, promises to be a rich source of insight and creativity for students and researchers alike. It’s incredible to think about the countless people who have scribbled down their thoughts and feelings on the bustling tube network, only for those profound moments to be immortalized in this archive.
The vibrant energy and diversity of human experiences encapsulated in these poems are truly something special. The arrival of this collection at Cambridge University is a testament to the enduring impact of public art and the power of words to connect and uplift us. As the archive takes its place in the hallowed halls of the university, it’s not just preserving history—it’s igniting a spark of creativity and contemplation for generations to come. Stay tuned for more updates on how this incredible collection will continue to inspire and resonate within the walls of Cambridge University!
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