CULTURE CLUB
The collection of one of the UK’s most cherished public art initiatives, Poems on the Underground, has been gifted to Cambridge University Library. In this archive lie exchanges with esteemed literary figures, including Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners like Seamus Heaney and Louise Glück. It also encompasses numerous iconic posters, along with assorted memorabilia, encapsulating the essence of a literary endeavour on the cusp of celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026. One particularly moving artefact within the archive is a letter dictated by Philip Larkin in 1985, penned during the waning months of his life. In it, he lamentably expresses his unrealised desire to witness Poems on the Underground posters displayed on the Tube network. Tragically, Larkin passed away in December 1985 before the unveiling of his own poem, The Trees , on Tube carriages in 1986 – the project’s inaugural year. Ever since, the public poetry endeavour has continued to intrigue and delight millions of tourists, commuters and Londoners, inspiring similar initiatives in cities such as Shanghai and New York. “This wonderful archive highlights the whole range of activities sponsored by Poems on the Underground; not just well-known poetry posters in Tube carriages, but readings, concerts and publications,” says John Wells, senior archivist at Cambridge University Library. “Letters from poets are backed up by correspondence by prominent supporters in political and cultural life, such as Michael Foot, Glenda Jackson and Matthew Parris.” As one of the original organisers and writers that brought the project to life, the collection’s submission is a poignant moment for Judith Chernaik. “It is hugely gratifying to know our archive is now housed and catalogued at one of the greatest libraries in the world, fully available to readers and researchers, to everyone interested in public space for the arts, and in poets past and present – the most eloquent and enduring witnesses to their times.” The Poems on the Underground collection has been catalogued and is available for consultation at the Cambridge University Library by anyone interested in seeing it. TAKING POETRY ABOVE GROUND POETRY
BOOKS
A children’s book written by illustration lecturer at ARU, Allan Drummond, has been selected for a prestigious reading list, meaning it will now appear on bookshelves in schools across the US. Inspired by the small town of Kamikatsu in Japan – a location attempting to recycle all of its waste – Zero Waste offers a way for children to connect with key ideas and concepts surrounding environmental responsibility. “Children all over the world are growing up eager to know how they can do their bit to help the planet, and it is encouraging to see the passion young people have for this subject,” says Allan. The fifth book in his Green Power series, Zero Waste continues to highlight real communities around the world championing the transition to clean energy. Previous entries include Green City , which was awarded best STEM book 2017 by the National Science Teaching Association. Zero Waste follows suit, being added to the 2024 NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Books list. “I hope my books inspire thousands of children by bringing positive stories from all over the world to their desks.” THE NEW CURRICULUM
12 APRIL 2024 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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