The poet Peter Scupham has died at the age of 89 at his home in Norfolk, according to reports.
Known for his “deftly formal, humane, richly textured and deeply civilized” poetry, he has published more than 10 collections since 1972.
He was also the co-founder of the Mandeville Press and ran Mermaid Books, a second-hand book business in South Burlingham, near Acle.
Jazmine Linklater, marketing and events manager at his publishers Carcanet Press, said: “Peter was a dear friend who published many collections with us, including his Collected Poems in 2022, followed by Borrowed Landscapes in 2011.
“His final collection, Invitation to View, is forthcoming on July 28, 2022. It was with relief that we delivered finished copies of the new book to him shortly before his death.
“Peter’s death is a great loss for all at Carcanet, and the poetry community at large. He will be remembered for his poetic energy and trademark wit, which were bright until the end.”
Margaret and Peter Scupham who have spent the past 25 years restoring the Old Hall, South Burlingham
Margaret and Peter Scupham who have spent the past 25 years restoring the Old Hall, South Burlingham. Picture: James Bass – Credit: Eastern Daily Press © 2015
The collection focuses on Mr Scupham and his second wife Margaret Stewart’s home at Old Hall in South Burlingham.
The couple bought the house when it was a semi-derelict and ramshackle Tudor property perched – as Mr Scupham once described – “in long grass on the edge of nowhere”.
