Larkin with Toads
Location Map
Take another look at Hull and track down the Toads!
Larkin with Toads
Taking Philip Larkin’s poems Toads and
Toads Revisited as a starting point, giant
decorated toad sculptures are popping up
all over the city!
Each of the sculptures, spawned from a
master design by Chris Wilkinson of Wild in
Art stands about 1m tall. With the assistance
of sponsorship by businesses and members of
the public, and practical support from Artlink,
the Toads have been decorated by artists and
community groups.
Mini Toads, designed by Hull Ceramacist
Jackie Needham, have been decorated
by school children through the Larkin25
education programme delivered with Creative
Partnerships.
Larkin was a countryside and animal lover
and this is reflected in his poetry. Larkin with
Toads is inspired by Larkin’s love of animals.
Our choice of animal was actually based on
two poems that deal with Larkin’s working
life, and his thoughts on life, work and art.
His poems ‘Toads’ and ‘Toads Revisited’
take a darkly comic look at the pressures and
pleasures of working life. In the first poem,
Larkin compares work to a Toad squatting
on his life, returning to the theme in ‘Toads
Revisited’ to reflect on his more positive
feelings towards work in later life.
Larkin’s poems use wit and crafted language
to overturn feelings of personal failure. Larkin
with Toads likewise uses artistic imaginiation
and humour to bring Larkin’s creative
optimism to life. Let’s make Toads beautiful!
Hull’s Toads will brighten up working days
and holidays for visitors and residents alike and we hope they will insire people to look at
the poetry too!
“Why should I let the toad work
Squat on my life?”
Larkin with Toads is a large
scale, mass participation public
art event that is populating
Hull with enormous decorated
toads for 10 weeks during
summer 2010.
From ‘Toads’ by Philip Larkin
The Less Deceived,
The Marvell Press
England and Australia
Larkin25 is a commemoration of
the life and work of the poet, novelist,
librarian and jazz critic Philip Larkin,
marking the 25th anniversary of
his death.
The aim is to mark this significant anniversary in a way
that is worthy of both the poet and the city with which
his creative and professional life is most associated.
Larkin25 takes place over 25 weeks,
from 12 June - 2 December 2010
A lively and diverse programme of exhibitions, events
and projects inspired by Larkin’s life and work and his
passionate love of poetry, music, photography and prose
will engage residents and visitors alike in a range of
arts activity and cultural events. Larkin with Toads is a
flagship project of the Larkin25 cultural programme.
1955
www.larkin25.co.uk
Toad facts
The Natterjack Toad and
Common Toad are native to
the UK. The toad you find in
your garden is likely to be the
Common Toad.
Sadly, the Natterjack Toad is
rare and is now listed as an
endangered species in the UK.
See how you can help by visiting
www.naturalengland.org.uk.
In China, the three legged toad,
or Money Frog, Chan Chu, is
an auspicious sign, said to
appear on the full moon near
the homes of those about to
receive a financial boost. Statues
and carvings of the figure are
often placed near cash registers
in shops and restaurants in
Oriental countries
Events & Activities in Hull
Toads are amphibians,
like frogs, but there are
a number of differences
between the two animals:
Toads have warty or
bumpy skin
Toads can swim, but
they live on land and
move around by walking
- frogs hop!
Some frogs have teeth,
but toads never do
Toads lay their eggs in
chains, like a necklace,
and frogspawn comes in
clumps
Use this map to plan your journey across Hull,
discovering all 40 of the Larkin Toads!
Larkinalia! You’ve read the poems, now meet the man!
Find out about Larkin’s life and times at this exhibition at the
Georgian Houses Museums, Wilberforce House, 25 High Street,
Hull, HU1 1NQ Tel: 01482 613902 www.hullcc.gov.uk
Museums Quarter Toad Trail Bring the kids along to
explore the Museums Quarter in Hull’s Old Town by following
the Toads Museums Trail, with special prizes and a quiz Tel:
01482 613902 www.hullcc.gov.uk
The Deep Experience the dramatic story of the world’s
oceans, from the dawn of time and into the future at Hull’s
award-winning ‘submarium’, home to 40 sharks and 3500
fish! Can you find the tiny Blue Poison Dart Frog? Tel: 01482
381000 www.thedeep.co.uk
Hull Truck Theatre No trip to Hull is complete without a trip
to the iconic home of Hull Truck. Take in a show, browse the
exhibitions and have a coffee or a bite to eat at the theatre’s
café-bar Tel: 01482 323638 www.hulltruck.co.uk
The largest toad in the world
(apart from the Larkin Toads!)
is the marine toad in South
America, which can grow up to
23cm and will eat pretty much
anything it can fit into its mouth!
Arts Venues and Exhibitions Culture lovers can browse
exhibitions and explore the local arts scene at Arc, Ferens, Hull
Museums and Galleries, Artlink, Fruit, the University of Hull Art
Gallery and many more! www.arc-online.co.uk, www.artlink.
uk.net, www.hullcc.gov.uk, www.hull.ac.uk/accessart
Researchers believe Toads may
be able to sense earthquakes,
after observing a colony of
Toads fleeing L’Aquila in Italy
10 days before an earthquake
struck, and returning only when
the last of the aftershocks had
died down
Events and Festivals From the Clipper Boats to the
Freedom Festival, Hull and the East Riding offer a summer of
events and festivals to keep the whole family entertained. Plan
your visit at www.realyorkshire.co.uk
All toad photographs and audience image: Dennis Low,
Toad & Glasses images: Jonathan Levy
Design: humandesign.co.uk
Larkin25 has events, exhibitions and activities taking place
throughout the summer www.larkin25.co.uk
Larkin with Toads Locations
City Centre Toads
1. Maritime Toad
Artist: Pinkyvision
Sponsor: The Deep, Hull’s Award Winning Aquarium
Location: 3rd Floor at The Deep
2. Typographical Toad
Artist: Saul Logan and Alec Tear
Sponsor: ispace and cpd plc
Location: Footbridge High Street/Humber Street
3. Squatwit
Artist: Ruth Pickard
Sponsor: Kingswood Parks Development Live and play in Kingswood Parks
Location: Nelson Street
4. Fish & Chips Toad
Artist: Emily Fisher
Adopt Me: Visit www.larkin25.co.uk for more
details
Location: Humber Dock Street/
Wellington St West
5. Archi-toad
Artist: Hannah Cooper
Sponsor: Manor Property Group building success in Hull
Location: Railway Street
6. Tigger the Toad
Artist: Jayne Tunnicliffe
Sponsor: Construction Works Ltd
Location: Marina Court
7. Reflective Colours
Artist: Sue Kershaw
Initial Concept: Victoria Merrett
Sponsor: ARC - The Architecture Centre for
Hull and the Humber Region
Location: Queen Street / Castle Street
8. Neat Toad
Designed by: Nick and Mez of The Neat
Artwork by: Sarah Pennington
Sponsor: Tesco
Location: Trinity Square
9. Hull Fair Toad
Artist: Pinkyvision
Sponsor: Kingstown Works Ltd
Location: Princes Dock Side
10. The LarKin Toad
Artist: Frances Kelly
Sponsor: Princes Quay Shopping Centre Trust
Location: Princes Quay, Harbour Deck
11. Kasey Toad
Designed by: Ian Nicholl
Artwork by: Emily Fisher
Sponsor: KC
Location: Carr Lane
12. Tiger Toad
Artist: Dominic Li
Sponsor: Hull City AFC
Location: Queen Victoria Square, outside the
Maritime Museum
13. The Hidden Toad
Artist: Sasha Heath
Sponsored by: Public Donation
Location: Paragon Street/Victoria Square
14. The Chiltern Toad
Artists: Chiltern Primary School Parent
and Children’s Craft Group
Supported by: the Arc Creative Team
Sponsor: Arc and Newington St Andrews
Location: Jameson Street
15. Teletoad
18. Punkphibian
26. Weather Rain or Shine
34. The Carnegie Toad
19. Tequila Toad
27. Harlequin, Mischievous
Man of Mystery
35. Hull Poem Toad
Artist: Liz Dees
Sponsor: Signs Display.com and Hull Cityvision Arts and Creative Industries Group
Location: Theatre Square, Ferensway
Artist: Quentin Budworth
Sponsor: npower
Location: Ferensway/Springbank junction
20. Heat Toad
Artists: Alec Tear and Saul Logan
Sponsor: Balfour Beatty Construction
Northern Limited.
Design selected by pupils of Ganton School
Location: Hull Central Library
21. Kiss Me Quick
Artist: Stephen MacKay
Sponsor: The Prospect Centre
Location: Prospect Shopping Centre,
West Street entrance
22. Three Quarters Sky
Designed by: Sarah Daniels
Artwork by: Sarah Fallowfield
Sponsor: Hull Citycare Ltd
Location: Albion Street
This is a touring toad. Check out the Hull Citycare
website http//www.citycare-developments.co.uk
to see where he will be each week..
23. Hull Folk
Artist: Michelle Roper
Sponsor: KC
Location: Paragon Square
Designed by: Jean Hartley
Artwork by: Ragna Blades and Dominic Li
Sponsor: Frank Haslam Milan & Co Ltd
Location: Kingston Square
16. Space Hopper
24. Toad in the Hull
Designed by: NaSA Young People’s Project
Artist: Liz Dees
Sponsor: Hull CIB
Location: Paragon Station
17. Eastwest
Designed by: Sarah Daniels
Artwork by: Sarah Fallowfield
Sponsor: St Stephens Shopping Centre
Location: St Stephens Shopping Centre,
Ferensway entrance
Designed by: Janis Goodman
Artwork by: Sarah Fisher
Sponsor: Kier Building Maintenance Hull
Location: Hull History Centre, Worship Street
25. Lobelia Toad
Artist: Kerry Watson
Sponsor: Chevin Housing Group - Building a better
future for people and communities
Location: Queens Gardens
Concept by: Paul Hudson
Artist: Richard Pennington
Sponsor: Yorkshire Water
Location: Queens Dock Avenue
Concept by: Peter Levy
Artist: Jayne Tunnicliffe
Sponsor: Manor Property Group building success in Hull
Location: Queens Dock Avenue
Designed by: Carnegie Heritage Volunteers
Artist: Lynne Hutchinson
Sponsor: Hull CIB
Location: Carnegie Heritage Centre, West Park
Artist: Lonny Pop
Sponsors: Princes Avenue Traders Association
and Jacksons Bakery Ltd
Location: Princes Avenue
36. Twinkle Toad
Citywide Toads
Artist: Rick Welton
Sponsor: Bonus Electrical
Location: Artlink Balcony, Princes Avenue
28. 10 - 5 Toad
37. Floral
Concept by: Steve Hubbard
Artist: Steve Elliott
Sponsor: Neil Hudgell Law
Location: Morrisons, Holderness Road
29. Cityscape
Designed by : Daycare Services West
Artist: Gemma Chaikin
Sponsor: Learning & Disability Partnership Board
and PBS Construction (North East) Ltd
Location: Pearson Park
Designed by: Daycare Services East
Artist: Ruth Piggot
Sponsor: Learning & Disability Partnership Board
and PBS Construction (North East) Ltd
Location: East Park Animal Education Centre
38. Global Pop Toad
30. Labyrinth on My Back
Artist: Gemma Chaikin
Sponsor: Riverside ECHG
Location: St Ambrose Court, Bransholme
Artist: Ragna Blades
Sponsor: Wykeland Group Ltd
Location: Melton West Business Park,
Gibson Lane Melton
31. Topographical Toad
40. Tannery Toad
Artist: Ken Shaw
Sponsor: Keepmoat Homes Yorkshire Ltd
Location: Woodcock Street
32. The Newington Toad
Artists: Newington Primary School After School
Club
Supported by: the Arc Creative Team
Sponsor: Arc and Newington St Andrews
Location: Hawthorn Avenue
33. The St George’s Toad
Artwork: St George’s Primary School Year 5
Supported by: the Arc Creative Team
Sponsor: Arc and Newington St Andrews
Location: St George’s Road
Artist: Mark Wigan
Sponsor: Hull University Business School
Location: University of Hull, Cottingham Road
39. Magenta Toad
Designed by: St Nicholas’ Primary School
Artist: Sarah Johnson
Sponsors: Wykeland Group Ltd and Quintain
Estates and Developments plc
Location: Flemingate, Beverley
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partners
Artlink are key partners in Larkin with
Toads, supporting the many artists,
designers and community groups
involved in the project, undertaking the
artistic maintenance of the Toad Trail
Artlink is Hull and the Humber’s leading
community arts organisation, established
in 1982 to work with all sections of the
community and all artforms. We have 4
areas of work, including outreach projects,
community galleries, training and an
information service. We provide visual and
performance based arts events and activities
for people, many of whom are socially or
physically disadvantaged, economically
isolated and excluded.
www.artlink.uk.net
Creative Partnerships are key delivery
partners for the Larkin with Toads
education programme running within
schools across Hull & East Riding.
One of a number of programmes generated
by the new national organisation Creativity,
Culture and Education (CCE), Creative
Partnerships fosters innovative, long-term
partnerships between schools and creative
professionals.
Managed by Hull College, Creative
Partnerships Hull, Humber and North
Yorkshire are committed to seeking
excellence, integrity, innovation and
celebration in all that they do. Together,
they develop projects to inspire young
people, teachers and creative professionals
to challenge how they work and experiment
with new ideas.
Walker Street
Hull
HU3 2RA
Tel: 01482 387490
[email protected]
www.octagon.goodwintrust.org
www.creative-partnerships.com
Larkin25 Supporters
Larkin25 is grateful for the generous support of our funders and sponsors:
State of the art conference facility for up to
260 delegates in the heart of Hull
• Conference hall for up to 260 delegates
• Six breakout or individual meeting rooms
• Wireless internet connectivity throughout
the building
• Plenty of car parking space
• Superb catering available
• Full disabled access and induction
loop
• Central location close to train and bus
stations
• On site crèche facilities
• Park and ride service available
The ethical business choice without compromise
Supported by
The James Reckitt Library Trust
As part of Goodwin Development Trust, a social enterprise focused on improving the quality of life for the
people of Hull, The Octagon also plays a vital role in creating investment for the community.
For more information, a personal viewing, or to book your next event contact Caroline Gill,
on 01482 387488 or email [email protected]