Design Museum Director Tim Marlow OBE awarded honorary doctorate by Kingston University

Design Museum Director and Chief Executive Tim Marlow OBE has urged greater recognition of design's vital role in solving society's biggest challenges and driving the UK's future success upon being awarded an honorary doctorate by Kingston University.

One of the UK's most influential cultural leaders, writer, broadcaster and curator Tim Marlow OBE received the award of Doctor of Art & Design (honoris causa) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to design, arts and culture.

Currently Director and Chief Executive of the Design Museum in London, Marlow has built an international reputation through his leadership of major cultural institutions, his work as a broadcaster and author, and his commitment to championing the value of creativity, design and public engagement.

Speaking after receiving the honour, Marlow said design played a crucial role in helping society respond to some of the most pressing issues of the age, from sustainability and technological change to the way communities live, work and interact. "Design is fundamentally about problem-solving," he said. "It shapes our relationship with the world around us, and it will play a critical role in addressing many of the challenges we face in the years ahead.”

"There is a tendency to think of design as something decorative or additional, but in reality it is central to how we organise society, create solutions and respond to major global issues. Design has helped shape the world we live in today and it will be essential to helping us build a better future."

The honorary doctorate also recognises a longstanding relationship between Kingston University and the Design Museum that spans more than 25 years and has helped shape the development of design education and research. Reflecting on the award, Marlow said he saw it not only as a personal honour but also as a celebration of the partnership between the two institutions.

"I am deeply honoured to receive this doctorate, but I also see it as recognition of something bigger than any one individual," he said. "The Design Museum and Kingston University have built a tremendously productive relationship over many years. It demonstrates how museums and universities can learn from each other, creating opportunities for students, researchers and practitioners while helping important ideas reach wider audiences."

Kingston University's partnership with the Design Museum includes the highly regarded MA Design Curating programme, which has helped educate a new generation of curators and cultural leaders. The relationship has also included collaborative research projects and work connected to the Design Museum's Future Observatory programme.

Before joining the Design Museum, Marlow served as Artistic Director of the Royal Academy of Arts, where he played a central role in its 250th anniversary celebrations and major redevelopment programme. Earlier in his career he worked at White Cube and established himself as one of the UK's best-known arts broadcasters, presenting acclaimed television and radio programmes and interviewing some of the world's leading creative figures.

Reflecting on a career that has taken him from art history and broadcasting to leading major cultural organisations, he said a spirit of curiosity had been the common thread throughout his professional life.

"I've always been fascinated by creative people and the way they see the world," he said. "Whether they are artists, designers, architects or filmmakers, what interests me is how ideas become reality and how creativity helps us understand the world differently.

Offering advice to students graduating from Kingston University, Mr Marlow encouraged them to embrace uncertainty, remain open-minded and continue asking questions throughout their lives and careers. "My advice is simple – stay curious," he said. "Let your curiosity take you into unexpected places. Keep asking questions, keep exploring and stay open to different ways of thinking. The moment we become convinced we have all the answers is the moment we stop learning.”

"Curiosity has been the single most important thing throughout my career. It is what drives discovery, learning and innovation. Curiosity opens doors and helps us discover things we never knew we were interested in," he said.

Dean of Kingston School of Art, Nick Gorse, said Marlow’s influence extended far beyond the museum sector. "Tim's leadership has elevated the profile of culture, art and design both nationally and internationally, while his commitment to education, creativity and public engagement has inspired generations of students, academics and practitioners,” he said.

“Our longstanding relationship with the Design Museum is an important part of the Kingston School of Art experience, providing our students and staff with exceptional opportunities to engage with leading exhibitions, practitioners and ideas. This partnership enriches learning, research and professional development, and reflects our shared commitment to advancing culture, art and design through education, research and practice. Tim's vision and leadership have played a significant role in strengthening that relationship, making him a highly deserving recipient of this honorary doctorate."

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