The 2026 New Year Honours List has highlighted significant contributions from individuals in the museum, heritage, and cultural sectors, recognizing their unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting arts and history. Among the honored is Tristram Hunt, currently the director of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, who has been awarded a knighthood for his transformative leadership since 2017. Under his guidance, the V&A has evolved into a multi-site museum group, expanding to include the V&A Wedgwood Collection in Stoke-on-Trent and V&A Dundee in Scotland, while also revitalizing the Young V&A and planning two new sites in east London. The V&A praised Hunt’s visionary direction and ability to connect collections with broader communities.
Hilary McGrady, the National Trust’s director-general since 2018, was honored with a CBE for her exceptional service to heritage. Her leadership has been pivotal in navigating significant challenges faced by the Trust. Rene Olivieri, chair of the National Trust, commended McGrady as an outstanding leader, emphasizing her relentless focus on benefiting people through heritage and nature.
The honours also celebrate others making impactful contributions to the arts and heritage sectors. Joanne Quinton-Tulloch, director of the National Science and Media Museum, received an OBE for her services to the arts, while Janet Blake, an expert in cultural heritage law, also received an OBE for her work in intangible cultural heritage.
Among the notable recipients is Bernard Morgan, a dedicated volunteer at the Imperial War Museum for over 17 years, who was awarded an MBE for his efforts in history and volunteering. Additionally, the establishment of the Restoration Trust by Laura Drysdale earned her an MBE for blending heritage with mental health initiatives, using culture therapy to support individuals facing mental health challenges.
Numerous other individuals across various domains were recognized, including the likes of Susan Bowers for her contributions to preservation at the Pilgrim Trust, and Jocelyn Finnigan and Barry Mead for services to local heritage projects. The list encompasses those working within the fabric of communities, advocating for cultural heritage, and preserving historical narratives.
This year’s Honours List reflects a collective recognition of the passion and dedication exhibited by volunteers, leaders, and community advocates, all of whom play a vital role in enriching society’s cultural landscape. Such acknowledgments inspire ongoing commitment to heritage and culture, aiming to foster connections not just within communities, but also across generations.