Maggi Hambling and Phyllida Lloyd honoured
Artist Maggi Hambling and theatre director Phyllida Lloyd, both of whom are lesbians, have been awarded CBEs in the New Year’s Honours list.
Hambling, a well-known painter and sculptor, has seen her work in galleries around the world. Her most famous work is a 2007 sculpture of Oscar Wilde, which stands near Trafalgar Square.
Lloyd has directed plays such as What The Butler Saw, The Duchess of Malfi and The Handmaid’s Tale.
She directed the cinema adaption of Mamma Mia!, which is the biggest-selling British film and DVD of all time.
CBE stands for Commander of the British Empire. It is one of a series of honours, although only those who receive the two highest honours can use Sir or Dame in front of their names.
Openly gay artistic director of the National Theatre, Nicholas Hytner, received a knighthood for services to drama.
Hytner, who has held the position at the theatre since 2003, said he was “flattered” to receive the honour.
Patrick Stewart was also awarded knighted for services to drama.
Past recipients of such honours include Stonewall chief executive Ben Summerskill and actor Alan Cumming.
