Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Artist Sir Frank Bowling to receive knighthood at age of 87

The painter is recognised for services to art.

Catherine Wylie
Tuesday 08 February 2022 02:45 GMT
Undated handout photo of Frank Bowling who has been awarded a Knighthood for services to art in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Undated handout photo of Frank Bowling who has been awarded a Knighthood for services to art in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. (PA Media)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Artist Sir Frank Bowling will be knighted at the age of 87 in a ceremony at Windsor Castle later.

The octogenarian, born in what was then British Guiana, is known for his large-scale abstract canvases.

The painter, who is recognised for services to art, is expected to be knighted by the Prince of Wales.

Speaking in October 2020, Sir Frank said he was “extremely proud” of the honour.

In 2019, Tate Britain held a major retrospective of his work, subtitled The Possibilities Of Paint Are Never-Ending.

After completing his National Service in the Royal Air Force Sir Frank won a scholarship to London’s Royal College of Art in 1959.

His early paintings embedded layers of autobiography in abstraction, incorporating silkscreen images of his home and family members in Guyana.

In 2005, he became the first black artist to be elected a Royal Academician.

Meanwhile, cultural activist Ansel Wong will collect a CBE medal for services to arts and culture, while chefs Margot and Fergus Henderson will collect OBEs for services to the culinary arts.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in