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Simon Armitage

(1963-), Poet, playwright, librettist and author

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. His writing includes Walking Home, a translation of 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight' and the collections Seeing Stars and The Shout.

Watch a film clip on the sitter from the BBC Archive in the Media section below

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Simon Armitage, by Roderick Field - NPG x88093

Simon Armitage

by Roderick Field
bromide print, 1998
NPG x88093

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