Honorary doctorate for trailblazing artist

An artist described as “a British national treasure since before that phrase was invented” has been presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Arts.

Andrew Logan, a sculptor, jewellery designer and performance artist whose work has spanned decades and introduced the globe to the Alternative Miss World beauty pageant which just celebrated its 50th year.



It is said punk was “born” at one of his parties in 1976, when Derek Jarman filmed the first-ever footage of the Sex Pistols.

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) is proud to have been given Andrew’s archive which includes film reels, letters, books, sketches, designs and costume pieces which are being documented and carefully recorded.

On Saturday, Mr Logan – wearing one of his specially-created ‘day crowns’ – was at DMU graduations ceremony to be presented with the honorary degree.

Archivist Katharine Short, who delivered Mr Logan’s citation, told the audience: “His career has challenged boundaries, celebrated queer inclusion and brought joy to the globe.”



Mr Logan, who led the Curve in a round of applause for the Class of 2023, said he was “overwhelmed” and delivered a warm speech telling graduands to “remember compassion and kindness should be there with you, that is the most important thing”.

He said: “I love rituals so this, for me, is absolutely thrilling. We need to do more rituals I think, something like this marks a very important part of a young person’s life. Their voyage of discovery starts here. My work and art is all about celebration so for me, this is very special.

“It is such a privilege to be here with you all, and I wish you every success in your future life.”



Mr Logan lent his support to DMU the night before the ceremony, opening the MA Fine Arts Degree Show which runs throughout this week and ends on September 16 at the Leicester Gallery. A key figure of the London alternative arts scene in the 1970s, his contemporaries included Derek Jarman, Malcolm McLaren, Vivienne Westwood and Dame Zandra Rhodes who was awarded an honorary doctorate from DMU herself earlier this year.

In 1991, Mr Logan opened the Andrew Logan Museum of Sculpture near his home in Berriew, near Welshpool, which hosts events throughout the year, and he has a Museum of Travelling Sculpture which he takes to festivals.

In 2022, DMU’s Archives and Special Collections team was awarded more than £41,000 from the National Archives to catalogue his archive collection.