Durham alumnus David Sproxton, CBE – co-founder and trustee of the animation studio behind Wallace & Gromit – has been knighted in The King’s Birthday Honours.
Sir David, who graduated from Durham in 1976 (Geography/Collingwood College), receives the honour for services to the animation industry, the creative industries and to charity.
After leaving Durham, Sir David and Sir Peter Lord, CBE created the character Morph for British television programme Take Hart.
Together they went on to found Aardman Animations, the studio behind the award-winning Wallace & Gromit titles, Shaun the Sheep, and memorable films such as Chicken Run.
In 2008, Sir David was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters by Durham University.
On receiving his honorary degree, Sir David said: "Durham was my first choice and I remember signing up to Collingwood College because it was new and co-educational.
"I always knew it was unlikely I would use my (Geography) degree directly in what I did, as I had my eyes firmly fixed on the film and TV business, but there's no doubt that what I learnt has stayed with me."
Sir David is one of several Durham alumni, honorary degree recipients, and friends of the University who have been honoured by His Majesty King Charles III.
We’re inspired by all members of the Durham University community who have been recognised for their outstanding achievements.
Congratulations to everyone who has been honoured alongside David Sproxton.
David Bowles (Geography, College of St Hild & St Bede, 1977–1980) • OBE for services to Animal Welfare
Amanda Melanie Brooks (née Kendall) (Economics and Politics, Hatfield College, 1989–1992) • CB for services to Economic Growth and International Trade
The Reverend Elizabeth Amy Carnelley (Theology, St Aidan's College, 1982–1985) • OBE for services to Community Cohesion
Sarah Jane Castle (Sociology, St Mary's College, 1985–1988) • OBE
Elizabeth Anne Clark (Law, College of St Hild & St Bede, 1980–1983) • MBE for services to Law and Order
Neil Crompton KCMG (Geography, University College, 1983–1988) • KCMG for services to British Foreign Policy
Commodore David Filtness (Geology, Collingwood College, 1996–1999) • CBE
The Reverend Christopher Charles Henley (Theology and Ministry, 2016) • BEM for services to the South Western Railway Network
Dr Neville Hollingworth (Geology, Graduate Society, 1983–1987) • BEM for services to Public Engagement and Accessibility in Geology and Palaeontology
Yasmin Akhtar Khan (Education, University College, Stockton, 2000–2001; Doctor of Civil Law, 2026) • CBE for services to Ending Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women
Shelagh Jane Legrave CBE (Combined Arts, St John's College, 1977–1980) • DBE for services to Education
Jonathan David Lutwyche (Mathematics, Hatfield College, 1986–1989) • OBE for services to Sustainable Chemicals Management, Economic Growth, International Trade, and Advancing Opportunities for Women and Young People
Ashley John Machin (Business Administration, 1990–1993) • CBE for Public Service
John Philip Birkett Marshall (Law, St Chad's College, 1985–1988) • OBE for services to the Local Economy in the North East
Winston Russel Michael (Business Administration, 1991–1992) • MBE for services to Inclusivity and Sport in Kent
Claire Oxlade (Modern History, St Mary’s College, 2016–2017) • MBE for services to Global Health
Allison Kathryn Louise Potter (Education, 1994–1998) • MBE for services to the community in Middlesbrough
Alisoun Ruth Probert (Deaf Studies, 2007–2009) • MBE for services to the Deaf Community
Major Alexander John Piers Shirreff (Classics, College of St Hild & St Bede, 2008–2011) • MBE
Sally Margaret Simpson (Education, Neville's Cross College, 1966–1969) • BEM for services to the community in Bowthorpe, Norfolk
Anna Kim Taylor (Geography and Anthropology, St John's College, 1990–1993) • DBE for services to Reforming the Food System
Laurence James Taylor (Natural Sciences, Hatfield College, 1991–1994) • King’s Police Medal
Sally Jennifer Joan Tennant (Politics, St Mary's College, 1974-1977)
• Member of the Royal Victorian Order
Mark Keverne Courthope Wills (Geography, St Cuthbert's Society, 1977–1980) • MBE for services to Armed Forces Veterans
(Alphabetical by surname)
The King’s Birthday Honours list can be read in The Gazette Official Public Record.
For more information or enquiries on the University's approach to honours, please contact Lucian Hudson, Executive Director, Communications and External Relations on communications.team@durham.ac.uk.
Discover more about our alumni community.
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