Simon Armitage (1963-), Poet

Sitter in 1 portrait
Born in Huddersfield, Armitage trained in social work at Manchester University. He won an Eric Gregory Award (1988), the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award (1993), and was made Poet in Residence for the New Millennium Experience Company in 1999. Drawing upon his experiences as a probation officer, Armitage's work often tackles themes of class, identity, and masculinity. His treatment of contemporary issues combined with his energetic and down-to-earth style has made Armitage one of the most popular poets of his generation.