Plaque marks Lit & Phil Society’s 200-year contribution to city

‘FULFILMENT’: Margaret Imrie, right, and John Fagge, both of Hull Literary and Philosophical Society

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

A plaque commemorating Hull Literary and Philosophical Society’s 200-year role in the cultural and educational development of the city has been unveiled in the Museums Quarter Gardens.

The plaque, installed yesterday, stands in front of three figures depicting Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, which once stood on the pediment of the Royal Institution in Albion Street.

The institution building, which was the society’s home from 1854 to 1943 and Hull’s Municipal Museum, was destroyed by fire in 1943 during an intense Nazi bombing raid in the Second World War. The surviving carvings, created by Hull sculptor William Day Keyworth, were later moved to the Museums Quarter Gardens.

MAGNIFICENT: The Royal Institution in Albion Street, which was destroyed during a Second World War bombing raid

Founded in 1822, the society has played a significant role in promoting literature, philosophy, and education in Hull through public lectures and community engagement.

It has been instrumental in the development of educational resources in the city throughout its history. It funded the construction of a teaching laboratory and provided classrooms for technical subjects and art. The society also sponsored a branch of the Cambridge University Extension Society and was involved in the establishment of Hull's first art gallery above its museum.

Today, the society continues its tradition of promoting knowledge and culture with a winter lecture programme presented by national guest speakers in the Guildhall.

GODDESS: Statues of Minerva that once adorned the Royal Institution building

Margaret Imrie, from the Literary and Philosophical Society, said: “This is the fulfilment of a long-cherished hope. The plaque recognises all the work we’ve done over more than 200 years to bring learning to the people of Hull. This ensures that visitors will understand the significance of the statues and what the Hull Literature and Philosophical Society has achieved in the city.”

Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure at Hull City Council, said: “It is a great honour to unveil this plaque, celebrating the great contribution of the Literature and Philosophical Society in Hull over many years. I hope it will act to spark further interest in the society with visitors to the Museums Quarter.”

Hull museums and gallery manager Jane Avison said: “We’re delighted that the plaque commemorating the Literary and Philosophical Society has been unveiled in the Museum Gardens. The roots of Hull Museum’s collections go back to those of the Literary and Philosophical Society when their collection and building were transferred to Hull Corporation in 1900.”

Details of the society’s lecture programme and membership can be found here.