Sheffield artist Pete McKee is to be presented with an honorary doctorate at the City Hall in November.
The well-known figure, who has a shop and gallery in Sharrow and whose much-loved murals are dotted around the city, is to be recognised for his contribution to Sheffield’s cultural history.
The son of a steelworker, Pete grew up on a Sheffield council estate. A big supporter of Sheffield Wednesday, Pete draws his inspiration from the working class landscape of his youth.
His relationships, his childhood, his passion for music and his self-deprecating humour give him the inspiration to create evocative images that have earned him a worldwide following.
Pete said: “I’ve always wanted an honorary doctorate ever since Richard Hawley got one.
“It’s a great honour for me to receive this doctorate from Hallam University, I’m extremely proud of where I come from, not just the city but my upbringing.
“I seem to have devoted my life to championing Sheffield and its many attributes and to get that nod from Hallam, the university of the people, is very special to me.”
Pete’s exhibitions such as ‘The Joy of Sheff’ and ’22 Views of Sheffield’ have helped him to make his name in the art world.
At his most recent show ‘This Class Works’ visitors were invited to swap donations to a food bank for a specially designed tin.
Pete celebrates everything that is great and good about the city and his collaborations with fashion designers, film directors and musicians over the years have built him a loyal global fan base.
In his spare time he is a proud member of the ukulele band The Everly Pregnant Brothers and an occasional DJ. Pete is also a proud patron of The Sheffield Children’s Hospital arts charity Artfelt as well as an ambassador for the Teenage Cancer Trust and Record Store Day.
He will receive his honorary doctorate on Monday November 12 at 10.30am alongside students graduating from the University’s Faculty of Development and Society.
