TWO prominent Barnsley figures whose careers have brought so much to the town’s cultural offering for visitors have been named as recipients of awards in the New Year Honours List.
Acclaimed artist Graham Ibbeson was joined by Barnsley Council’s former head of culture and visitor economy Sue Thiedeman in King Charles III’s MBE list.
One of the UK’s most significant creators of enduring sculptural images for public display, creating well in excess of 30 major pieces, Graham has used his work to amplify popular culture to support his local community.
Graham - a ‘true son of Barnsley’ - frequently provides his services to support good causes locally and champions cultural education.
He has done much to raise the profile of the town through his unique, poignant and often humorous work which can be seen both in Barnsley and locations all around the UK.
He said: “It’s truly a great honour to be nominated for this award and very much a surprise.
“I have strove all my life to make art that is accessible to all, very often using humour to draw people in by deflecting the misfortunes of life, and occasionally in my commissioned work, reflecting the hardships of that same life.
“My work is always figurative and always has a back story, a narrative.
“This award is part of my own narrative now and is a nod to my family, my friends and all the people who have supported my career over the past 55 years.
“I was told, by a senior lecturer at art college, that I had received a master of arts degree for being daft that was probably true at the time.
“However, I would like to think I have received this wonderful honour for being true to myself and sticking to my principles.”
Sue, a powerhouse in the cultural sector, supported the already ambitious team at Barnsley, allowing them to achieve dizzying heights of success.
Following her arrival in Barnsley in 2013, her belief in the transformational power of culture led to it being a major driver of the town’s recent renaissance.
With her endless enthusiasm and determination, the team secured many accomplishments and accolades during her ten years in post, including achieving National Portfolio Organisation status for Barnsley Museums and being shortlisted for the prestigious Art Fund’s Museum of the Year award in 2021.
Sue helped to secure significant additional funds for Barnsley and led on a number of high profile projects, such as the Covid-19 memorial sculpture.
She added: “I am thrilled to be nominated for this award - I am so proud of Barnsley, its amazing cultural offer and rich heritage.
“I am pleased that I could be a part of raising its profile over the years, as well as working to make sure culture and heritage remained on the agenda at a national level.
“The culture sector is something that’s often overlooked funding-wise and it’s often unfairly treated, but Barnsley Council saw its importance and have made huge strides, backed it and invested.
“Experience Barnsley Museum in many ways was the catalyst for the town centre’s wider regeneration.
“I’m overwhelmed - to share it with Graham is something truly special.”
Mayor of Barnsley Councillor John Clarke paid tribute to the pair’s contribution to the town.
He said: “It’s wonderful to see two remarkable individuals honoured for their significant contribution to Barnsley’s culture and arts over the years.
“Sue brought so much value to our borough in her time at Barnsley Council, dedicating her years with us to developing our outstanding cultural and arts offering. Her efforts have truly enriched our community and helped drive our growing visitor economy.
“Graham has given us some wonderful sculptures that enhance Barnsley’s cultural landscape and we’ve been fortunate as a council to work with him on several occasions. His artistic contributions have added a unique charm to our town.
“Together, Sue and Graham have played pivotal roles in making Barnsley a vibrant hub of culture and creativity and we’re grateful for their dedication and passion.”
