Story of London and Poems on the Underground in 2009

Poems on the Underground, part of London Underground's cultural scene since 1986, participated in Story of London 2009, a month-long celebration of the city’s past, present and future organised by the Mayor’s office and GLA.

For more information on Story of London visit  www.london.gov.uk/storyoflondon

A 32-page booklet of poems displayed on the Tube between 1986 and 2009 was distributed free at central London Tube stations and public libraries throughout June 2009. The poems, ranging from Tudor times to the present day, celebrate London’s history and its romance, its sounds and sights, the urban and suburban life of rich and poor, young and old. 100,000 copies were free to Londoners and visitors. Supported by Arts Council England and the National Lottery.

Five poems on London themes, all included in the booklet, were also displayed in London Underground carriages from 1 June 2009 for eight weeks– along with a poem by a great Czech poet celebrating the art of poetry, displayed to commemorate the Velvet Revolution and the Czech Presidency of the European Commission.

Streamed Poems on the Underground

You can listen to a selection of streamed contemporary poems featured on Poems on the Underground and read by the authors and editors. The poems are available as downloadable audio files.

Poems on the Underground in Print

Poems on the Underground, 10th Edition (2001) and New Poems on the Underground 2006, published by Orion, are available from all bookshops and directly from Orion Books. Carnival of the Animals, (Walker Books 2005) includes poems commissioned by Poems on the Underground, illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura, with a CD of music and poems performed by the Apollo Chamber Orchestra, directed by David Chernaik.

Collections of poems previously featured on the Underground can be found in the books New Poems on the Underground 2006 (published by Orion Books), Poems on the Underground and New Poems on the Underground 2004 (both published by Cassell) available from all bookshops.

Further information on Poems on the Underground can also be found on the Poetry Society website.