Honorary degree for Richard Kindersley
1 November 2010
Richard Kindersley has been awarded an honorary degree in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the arts and education.
The country’s most celebrated monumental typographer received his honorary degree of Doctor of Design from Southampton Solent University at the city’s Guildhall on Monday 1 November.
Richard has run an independent design and letter carving studio in London since 1966. His contribution to architectural lettering and inscriptions has brought him an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Institute of British Architects – and an award for Art in Architecture from the Royal Society for Arts.
Major commissions during his long and highly successful career include The National Museum for Scotland; the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin; The Public Records Office at Kew; and the British 9/11 Memorial in Grosvenor Square.
Richard also completed a large external pavement piece for St Paul’s Cathedral and has been appointed as the artist for the new Supreme Court in Parliament Square.
Exhibitions of Richard’s work have taken place around the world – including London, Copenhagen, Berlin, Rome and across the United States.
His specialist knowledge is in constant demand within the media and Richard can often be seen discussing his work and the history of letter carving. He is determined that the skills of the stone carver, calligrapher and monumental typographer be passed to future generations. To that end his studio’s apprenticeship scheme ensures the ancient skills are never forgotten.
Richard is also a Visiting Fellow of Southampton Solent University – continuing his unique contribution to the learning experience of students.
When offering advice to the graduating students he said, “...When you leave University you need to remember why you worked hard and went to university, you need to stick to that passion.”
More than 2000 students are graduating with degrees and professional qualifications during 10 ceremonies at Southampton Guildhall from 1-5 November.
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