![]() He has performed with bands, the Scaremongers and LYR (Land Yacht Regatta), and now has published a book of song lyrics, Never Good With Horses. Over the past couple of years he has penned elegies for both Prince Philip and Elizabeth II. He is the former professor of poetry at Oxford, current professor of poetry at Leeds, and a busier than average poet laureate. As well as his many books of poetry, he has written plays and novels. It’s not surprising that Armitage is tired. It looks as if he’d happily spend the whole time sitting in the cafe, sipping tea. He points to the pot of tea, and says he’d like to finish it first. Having travelled 200 miles to be here, I’m keen to get my fill of sculpture. Did you think this interview was going to be difficult?” I think I see the hint of a smile. “No, thanks.” My final offer – a slab of Tony’s salted caramel chocolate. Perhaps one of these will liven him up? “No, thank you,” he says. I happen to have chocolate liqueurs with me. His voice is familiar – clear, dourly rhythmic, vowels hard and flat as paving stone. Armitage tells me he got back from Australia a week ago, has spent the past six days touring libraries country-wide and is knackered. He glances up at me, like a lugubrious owl. This time Armitage is sat at a table, perfectly settled, flicking through his phone, a pot of tea to the side. It feels like a Morecambe and Wise sketch. ![]() As I head for one, I’m sure he’s going to walk through the other. ![]() There are two huge entrances at either end of the visitors’ centre. In the cafe, where we are due to meet, flat whites sell at £3.90 a pop.īut there is no sign of the poet. It’s about as far from rough-hewn Yorkshire – the inspiration for much of Armitage’s poetry – as you can get. Dotted with Henry Moores and Barbara Hepworths and Damien Hirsts, this could be the world’s most opulent golf course. The park is just off the M1, seven miles from Wakefield. Simon Armitage decided we should meet at this beautiful outdoor gallery. ![]() I ’m wandering around Yorkshire Sculpture Park looking for the poet laureate. ![]()
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