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Philip Larkin

(1922-1985), Poet and novelist

Philip Arthur Larkin

Sitter in 6 portraits
Poet, novelist and librarian. Born in Coventry and educated at King Henry VIII School and Oxford, Larkin was a contemporary of Kingsley Amis, who remained a lifelong friend. His first collection of poems The North Ship appeared in 1945. Larkin became University Librarian at Hull in 1955, the year The Less Deceived was published. This was followed by The Whitsun Weddings (1964) and High Windows (1974). His Collected Poems was published in 1988. In 1964 he won the Queen's Gold Medal for Poetry which sent his popularity soaring. He edited the Oxford Book of 20th Century Verse in 1973.

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Philip Larkin, by Rollie McKenna - NPG P1675

Philip Larkin

by Rollie McKenna
bromide print, 1960
NPG P1675

Philip Larkin, by Humphrey Ocean - NPG 5746

Philip Larkin

by Humphrey Ocean
acrylic on canvas, 1984
On display in Room 28 on Floor 2 at the National Portrait Gallery
NPG 5746

Philip Larkin, by Elliott & Fry - NPG x90195

Philip Larkin

by Elliott & Fry
bromide print, February 1957
NPG x90195

Philip Larkin, by Godfrey Argent - NPG x29214

Philip Larkin

by Godfrey Argent
bromide print, 19 June 1968
NPG x29214

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