The Tamesis
Tristram Hunt, director of London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, has been knighted by King Charles and won a place in the UK’s 2026 New Year Honors list. This means Hunter can now officially be called “Mr.”
The former Stoke-on-Trent Central MP and former shadow education secretary was recognized for his “services to museums”, according to a UK government announcement. Hunt has led the V&A since 2017, overseeing a series of ambitious exhibitions and helping to raise the museum’s international profile, most notably through the launch of the V&A East Building.
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The government also highlighted Hunter’s academic background. Before assuming leadership roles at the museum, he was a historian and senior lecturer at Queen Mary University of London, specializing in Victorian urban history and political thought. Under his leadership, the V&A has expanded its reach and attracted new audiences, strengthening its role in the UK’s cultural landscape.
Hunt is not the only British artistic figure to receive the King’s recognition this year. Ekow Eshun, former director of the London Institute of Contemporary Art, was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire). Art historian Marcia Pointon, emeritus professor at the University of Manchester, was also awarded an OBE, as were Jo Quinton-Tulloch, director of the National Museum of Science and Media in Bradford, and Janet Blake, a cultural heritage expert.
Others on the list include Susan Bowers, director of the Pilgrim Trust, which works to protect British heritage, and was awarded an MBE. Hilary McGrady, Director General of the National Trust, was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire).
The honor is awarded twice a year: once on New Year’s Day and again in June to celebrate the monarch’s official birthday.
