Watkins, Vernon Phillips, 1906-1967

Vernon Phillips Watkins was born in Wales, and lived nearly his entire life near Swansea. He had written poetry since his youth, and attended Cambridge University for one year before leaving, ultimately taking a job with Lloyd's bank as a clerk. After a serious breakdown, he took a job at a different branch of Lloyd's, staying until he retired in 1966, but refusing advancement--he remained a clerk in order to devote time to his poetry. He became a close friend of Dylan Thomas, and published individual poems and collections with some success; he was especially admired by other poets. He is remembered as a gifted poet, dedicated to his craft, and as a particularly good and loyal friend.

From the description of Vernon Watkins letter to Dear Tambi, 1964 Oct. 15. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 76756287

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