The Director of The Photographers’ Gallery, London, Brett Rogers, has been awarded an OBE for services to arts and media in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Over the last three decades Rogers had been instrumental in establishing photography as a leading art form in the UK, cementing its position in cultural institutions across the country as well as exporting great British photography to an international audience.
A leading writer and speaker on photography, she appears regularly in the media and takes part in numerous panels and conferences on the subject. In 2013 her key role in developing the photographic field was recognised by University of the Arts London by appointing her a Visiting Fellow.
Brett Rogers became Director of The Photographers’ Gallery in November 2005. Prior to her appointment she worked at the Visual Arts Department at the British Council as Deputy Director and Head of Exhibitions. During her time there she was responsible for establishing the photography programme and policy for the British Council as well as organising major exhibitions including Anish Kapoor, XLIV Biennale di Venezia, British Pavilion, Venice, 1990; Look at Me: Fashion and Photography in Britain 1960-1997, European touring venues, 1994; Reality Check: British Photography and New Media 2002 – 04, European touring venues, 2004.
Since taking up the post at the Gallery, Rogers led an ambitious £9.2 million capital campaign to further establish its position as the UK’s leading centre for international and British photography. Located in the heart of London’s Soho Quarter, the newly transformed building opened to the public in May 2012 and provides world-class exhibition spaces, as well as fresh opportunities for learning through and about photography.
Brett Rogers, Director, The Photographers’ Gallery said: This is a great honour and one which deserves to be shared amongst all my team without whose support and commitment I could not have achieved all that I have. I now look forward to the next exciting phase in the evolution of the Gallery and its ongoing role in championing and developing Photography as a leading art form.
Scott Mead, Chair of Trustees, The Photographers’ Gallery said: On behalf of The Photographers’ Gallery, I would like to congratulate Brett on this prestigious and well-deserved award. It rewards nine years of visionary leadership and dedication to ensuring that the organisation is a leading forward-thinking and innovative centre for photographic presentation, development and debate as well a dedicated home for an international photographic community. Having steered the Gallery through a pivotal time of change and growth, Brett is currently spearheading a series of ambitious future initiatives including expanded digital and outreach projects. We are delighted that her hard work and contribution to photography has been acknowledged in this way, and are incredibly proud to have her at our helm.
