Honorary graduates

2017

Diane Lees CBE - Director General of the Imperial War Museums

Honorary Degree of Doctor of Arts in recognition of her significant contribution to the arts, and in particular museums, galleries and cultural heritage.

Diane Lees CBEAs a trustee of the IWM Development Trust, the Gerry Holdsworth Special Forces Trust, and the Army Museums Ogilby Trust, Diane Lees began her impressive career as an historic buildings researcher before moving into exhibitions, education, and interpretation.

Diane has worked on some of the most exciting and challenging recovery projects in the country, including the creation of the only museum of law in the country, the multi-award-winning National Justice Museum in Nottingham.

Since October 2008, Diane has served as Director General of the Imperial War Museums, which is the cultural lead for the centenary of the First World War, whilst also serving as Vice President of the American Air Museum in Britain. Diane is also involved in various panels and trusts for British and European history and she was awarded a CBE in 2014 in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for services to museums. Since May 2016 Diane has been chairing a review of the Higher Education Funding Council for England’s museums, galleries and collections fund.