Key Highlights
- Tristram Hunt received a knighthood for his services to museums and culture.
- Hilary McGrady from the National Trust was awarded a CBE for her contributions to heritage.
- Rene Olivieri from the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford received an OBE for services to arts.
Business: Honours for Cultural Leaders
The 2026 New Year Honours List has recognized professionals across various sectors of museums, heritage, and culture. Among the notable recipients is Tristram Hunt, who was appointed director of London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in 2017. Hunt received a knighthood for his significant contributions to the field.
“At the museum, he has been a driving force behind major initiatives including V&A East, championing new ways to connect collections, creativity and communities,” stated the V&A in their social media post. This recognition highlights Hunt’s bold and thoughtful leadership, drawing from his background as an historian, author, and former parliamentarian.
Hilary McGrady: Champion of Heritage
The National Trust’s director-general since 2018, Hilary McGrady, was awarded a CBE for her services to heritage. Rene Olivieri, the chair of the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, received an OBE for his contributions to arts.
Expert Acknowledgment
Academic and cultural heritage expert Janet Blake also received an OBE for her work in intangible cultural heritage and cultural heritage law. Dee Dyas, an emeritus professor in history and director of the centre for the study of Christianity and culture at the University of York, was awarded an OBE for services to theology and heritage.
Ekow Eshun, a writer and curator who previously directed the Institute of Contemporary Arts, received the same honor for his contributions to the arts. These recognitions underscore the pivotal role played by individuals in preserving and promoting cultural assets.
Volunteer Contributions
A volunteer at the Imperial War Museum since 2006, Bernard Morgan, was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to volunteering and history. The founder of the Codnor Castle Heritage Trust, Rokia Khair, also received this honor for her contributions to heritage and charity.
At the National Records of Scotland, Alan Borthwick, the head of medieval and private records, and archivist David Brown were awarded MBEs for their work in historical document recovery. This recognition highlights the critical role played by both volunteers and professionals in safeguarding cultural and historical records.
Awarded Individuals
Alun Clements, a volunteer at the Imperial War Museum, received a BEM (Medallist of the Order of the British Empire) for his voluntary work. At the Natural History Museum, Leonie Biggenden, a learning volunteer, was awarded the same honor for her contributions to heritage.
The Scottish poet and novelist Peter Campbell also received a BEM for his services to Gaelic and Scottish culture. These awards reflect the diverse range of individuals contributing to cultural preservation in various capacities.
Conclusion
The New Year Honours List 2026 has honored numerous professionals across museums, heritage, and culture sectors with prestigious awards. This recognition not only celebrates their individual contributions but also underscores the importance of preserving our collective history and cultural assets.
These awards serve as a testament to the significant impact that individuals can have in shaping and enriching our understanding of history and culture. As we move forward, such recognitions continue to inspire future generations to engage with and preserve these invaluable resources.