Tristram Hunt, the director of London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, has been knighted by King Charles, landing a spot on the UK’s 2026 New Year Honors list. That means Hunt can now officially go by “Sir.”
The former MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central and ex–shadow education secretary was recognized for his “services to museums,” according to the UK government’s announcement. Hunt has led the V&A since 2017, where he’s overseen a run of ambitious exhibitions and helped push the museum’s international profile, most notably through the launch of V&A East.
The government also highlighted Hunt’s academic background. Before moving into museum leadership, 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 isn’t the only British arts figure to be recognized by the king this year. Ekow Eshun, the former director of London’s Institute of Contemporary Arts, has been made an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire). Art historian Marcia Pointon, professor emerita at the University of Manchester, also received an OBE, as did Jo Quinton-Tulloch, director of the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, and cultural heritage expert Janet Blake.
Elsewhere on the list, Susan Bowers, director of the Pilgrim Trust, which works to preserve the UK’s heritage, was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire). Hilary McGrady, director-general of the National Trust, received a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire).
The honors are awarded twice a year: once at New Year and again in June to mark the monarch’s official birthday.
