Director of the Serpentine Galleries in Kensington Gardens has been made a Dame in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in recognition of her service to the arts.
Julia Peyton-Jones who is stepping down from her role in July after dedicating 25 years to the role at one of the most successful galleries which attracts up to 1.2 million visitors a year.
Michael Bloomberg, Serpentine Galleries chairman since January 2014, said: “On behalf of everyone at the Serpentine Galleries, and as a longtime friend and admirer of Julia’s, I am delighted to congratulate her on this outstanding and well-deserved achievement.
“Under Julia’s leadership, the Serpentine has grown from a small local gallery into an internationally recognised art space with a global reputation for artistic excellence and architectural innovation.
“Julia’s exceptional determination and vision have had an enormous impact on the Serpentine, the UK and the global arts community. It is fitting that her contributions to culture are being recognised with this important honour.”
A businessman in Kensington Simon Duffy was also named in the honours list as MBE for his services to the beauty industry.
