Magdalene Odundo

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Magdalene Odundo's career is marked by rare achievements. She is one of the few female ceramicists to be made a Dame of the British Empire. Her work is in the permanent collections of over 50 museums, including the British Museum and the Met. She has exhibited at the Venice Biennale and Documenta, and her influence has reached the world of high fashion through Dior. Her ability to bridge tradition and modernity has made her a respected figure in both the art world and the broader cultural landscape.

AwardsMagdalene Odundo has received numerous honors for her contributions to art. She was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2001 and elevated to Dame Commander (DBE) in 2008. She has also received honorary doctorates from the Royal College of Art and the University for the Creative Arts. In 2020, she was elected as a Royal Academician by the Royal Academy of Arts.

Honours & Distinctions

Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)

UK Government·2008

For services to art.

Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

UK Government·2001

For services to art.

Honorary Doctorate

Royal College of Art·2019

In recognition of her contribution to ceramics.

Royal Academician

Royal Academy of Arts·2020

Elected as a member of the Royal Academy.

Records & Feats

First ceramicist to have a solo show at the Victoria and Albert Museum in the 21st century

Career Milestone·2001

Odundo's 2001 exhibition at the V&A was a landmark moment for studio ceramics.

One of the few female ceramicists to be made a Dame of the British Empire

Honour·2008

In 2008, Odundo was appointed DBE for services to art, a rare honor for a craftsperson.