2009
Brian Grimwood - The man who changed the look of British illustration
Honorary Degree of Master of Design in recognition of his substantial development of illustration as a respected and influential global profession and for his role in establishing one of the first illustration agencies in the UK.
Britain's global reputation as a creative and exciting source of style and fresh ideas in the world of visual communication is due in great measure to the influence of Brian Grimwood.
Brian developed as a young commercial artist in the 1960s and 70s to become one of the country's most innovative illustrators. His work is seen widely in magazines, posters, shop murals, interior design and other contexts and covers editorial, advertising, print and logos.
In 1983 he set up the Central Illustration Agency (CIA) which has since grown into one of the most successful agencies in Europe. It represents 80 of the world's greatest illustrators, and has offices in London, New York, Paris, Dubai, Barcelona and Madrid. He continues to inspire new generations of talent and is a founder member and current patron of the Association of Illustrators. His work is characterised by simplicity and clarity, in both line and colour. Brian has been a speaker on the NTU BA (Hons) Graphic Design course.