Bath Spa University is pleased to announce that Howard Hodgkin has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate today for his outstanding contribution to British painting.
Howard was first a pupil and then later a tutor at the Bath Academy of Art. While a pupil he was taught by Clifford and Rosemary Ellis who ran the Academy, as well as William Scott and Peter Lanyon. As a tutor he worked alongside fellow painters Michael Craig-Martin, Robyn Denny, John Ernest and Adrian Heath between 1950 and 1954.
In his painting and prints Howard uses bold colour and abstract forms to represent emotional moments, memories and experiences. His work has been shown in galleries around the world and in 1985 he represented Britain at the Venice Biennale and won the Turner Prize. In 1992 he was knighted for his services to the arts.
Professor Christina Slade, Vice-Chancellor of Bath Spa University said about the appointment: “Our long and illustrious history as a foremost centre for creativity and artistic talent is reflected by the notable persons who have made it so. One of these individuals is Howard Hodgkin, one of Britain’s most influential and respected artists. We are honoured to award him with an honorary doctorate in recognition of his outstanding contribution to, not only British art, but also the Bath Academy of Art and now Bath Spa University.”
The ceremony took place at Corsham Court in the presence of former colleagues and students of Howard’s during his time at the Bath Academy of Art.
