Craft in New Year honours list
The Crafts Council congratulates figures from the craft world; Deirdre Figueiredo, Alexander Orr and Janet Stoyel who all received an MBE in the 2009 New Year honours list.
Deirdre Figueiredo (Director, Craftspace) received her award for services to visual arts in the West Midlands, Janet Stoyal received her award for her contribution to the textile industry and Alexander Orr for his work as a craftsman. All three have made outstanding contributions to the craft sector and the Crafts Council is delighted to have worked with Deirdre on the development of the Crafts Council-run Spark Plug Curator Award and with Janet through the Contemporary Craft Fellowship Scheme in the south-west.
As well as wonderful personal achievements these awards provide a great boost for the craft sector and acknowledge its contribution to the UK’s position as a leading creative power.
Other notable awards were given to Mark Jones (Director, V&A Museum) who received a KBE and David Barrie (former Director, Art Fund) who received a CBE. Mark Jones and David Barrie are both great champions of contemporary craft and the Crafts Council has enjoyed successful partnerships with the V&A and the Art Fund for many years.
