NUA awards Honorary Doctorates

Four esteemed individuals from the creative industries have been recognised in Norwich as NUA awards Honorary Doctorates for 2016.

Brett Rogers OBE, a leading figure in British photography, Orla Kiely OBE, an internationally acclaimed textile designer and creator of the global brand Kiely Rowan, Phil Carter, an international award winning graphic designer, and Rt Rev Graham James, Bishop of Norwich, were presented their honours at the University’s graduation ceremonies in St Andrews Hall, alongside over 500 graduating students on 7th & 8th June 2016.

Previous recipients of Honorary Doctorates from NUA include architect Sir Michael Hopkins CBE, Director of the National Portrait Gallery Sandy Nairn CBE, celebrated pop artist Colin Self, Film London Chief Executive Adrian Wootton and Oscar-winning Harry Potter Production Designer Stuart Craig OBE.

Orla Kiely OBE – For services to textile design

Orla Kiely is an internationally acclaimed fashion designer and founder of Orla Kiely, and co-founder of the Orla Kiely Partnership, now Kiely Rowan PLC. Orla graduated in textile design from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin. She then worked in New York as a fabric and wallpaper designer before moving to London where she worked as a print designer for Esprit. She went on to gain an MA from the Royal College of Art after which she was commissioned by Harrods to produce a range of hats.

Brett Rogers OBE – For services to photography

Brett Rogers was appointed Director of The Photographers’ Gallery in November 2005, following 30 years playing an instrumental role in establishing photography as a leading art form in the UK and internationally. In her current role Brett has led an ambitious £9.2 million capital campaign to further establish its position as the UK’s leading centre for international and British photography.

Phil Carter – For services to graphic design

Bishop Graham was enthroned as Bishop of Norwich in 2000 following an impressive career in a variety of roles across the UK. For more than a decade Bishop Graham has sponsored The Bishop’s Art Prize, open to students at NUA, and which has gained a fine reputation.  He has supported Norwich Cathedral as a venue for the arts, and written contributions for various art catalogues about religious art.  More recently he has sponsored a Bishop’s Prize for Music, directed towards the encouragement of young composers.

Rt Revd Graham James – For services to the arts

Bishop Graham was enthroned as Bishop of Norwich in 2000 following an impressive career in a variety of roles across the UK. For more than a decade Bishop Graham has sponsored The Bishop’s Art Prize, open to students at NUA, and which has gained a fine reputation.  He has supported Norwich Cathedral as a venue for the arts, and written contributions for various art catalogues about religious art.  More recently he has sponsored a Bishop’s Prize for Music, directed towards the encouragement of young composers.