The Anonymous Widower

David Hockney is Awarded the Order of Merit

The Order of Merit is a unique order in that it is a personal gift of the sovereign. It has just been awarded to David Hockney.

I first came aware of Hockney when he won the John Moores Painting Prize at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, in 1967 and can remember seeing his painting, Peter Getting out of Nick’s Pool, at the time with C. I also have seen the major collection of his works at Saltaire.

Reading the list of those who have been awarded the Order of Merit is to read a list of some of our greatest scientists, artists and composers with a few politicians thrown in.  Although, I think it is true to say, that these days there are more of the thinkers than the politicians, than there was fifty years or so. At present there are only two British politicians on the list and both are women; Margaret Thatcher and Betty Boothroyd. There are however two long serving Commonwealth Prime Ministers; one Canadian and one Australian. Decades ago, there would have been many from the military, but now there is only the respected military historian; Sir Michael Howard.

I think on the whole it is a good list and if you look at those who hold the honour today, no-one stands out as universally condemned by all.

There are some interesting connections and some would think anomalies.

For instance the only churchman is the Anglican Primate of Ireland, Lord Eames. Although Cardinal Hume was a member.

Dorothy Hodgkin was also a member, as is her pupil, Margaret Thatcher. I think it is true to say, that their politics were very different. I wonder if they ever met, when Thatcher was Prime Minister! This web page provides a glimpse of their relationship.

Margaret Thatcher worked as a fourth year student on X-ray crystallography in Dorothy Hodgkin’s laboratory. Despite later political differences they always held a great affection for one another.

According to this page on the BBC, they did meet whilst Thatcher was Prime Minister to discuss world peace.

January 3, 2012 - Posted by AnonW | News | Art, Margaret Thatcher, Politics, Queen Elizabeth, Science