Collection contains correspondence between Philip Larkin and C.G. Follett as President of the Hull Choral Union, a press cutting and a black and white photograph relating to the world premiere performance of piece of music titled 'A Bridge for the Living', which piece was written by Anthony Hedges and Philip Larkin to commemorate the opening of the Humber Bridge.
Philip Larkin and the Hull Choral Union
Archive Collection
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- ReferenceGB 50 U DX412
- Dates of Creation1980-2011
- Language of MaterialEnglish
- Physical Description0.027 linear meters
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
On 11 Apr 1981, a piece of music titled ‘Bridge for the Living’ received it’s world premiere performance at City Hall, Hull. The music was composed by Anthony Hedges, with lyrics written by the poet Philip Larkin. The performance was given by the Hull Choral Union, whose president at the time was Mr C.G. Follett. The piece was created to mark the construction and official opening of the Humber Bridge.
C.G. Follett (c.1915-2010) grew up in Anlaby, East Riding of Yorkshire, before moving to Cottingham, East Riding of Yorkshire upon his marriage, where he remained for the rest of his life. From a musical family, Follett was a pianist and served as President of the Hull Choral Union in the early 1980s.
Poet Philip Arthur Larkin (1921-1988) was born in Coventry and lived most of his adult life in Hull, where he worked as the Librarian for the University of Hull. Considered one of the great poets of the 20th century, he was invited to write lyrics for the piece of music composed by Anthony Hedges.
Arrangement
The letters are arranged chronologically, with press cutting and photograph appended at the end of the sequence to retain the original order of the collection creator.
Access Information
Access will be granted to any accredited reader
Conditions Governing Use
Material authored by C.G. Follett is copyright of Hull University Archives, having been gifted along with the donation of the collection by the heir of the original copyright holder. Material authored by Philip Larkin remains copyright of the Larkin Estate as managed by the Society of Authors. Material created by the Hull Daily Mail remains copyright of the Hull Daily Mail.
Custodial History
Retained by the record creator until his death in 2010, at which time the records passed to his daughter who found them whilst clearing out her father's house. The records were then donated in person to Hull University Archives at Hull History Centre in Mar 2022.