People

Arit Anderson becomes new member of National Blue Plaques Panel

Along with four new members and a young advisor, Arit Anderson has joined the national Blue Plaques Panel.

Arit Anderson

Historic England’s national blue plaque scheme celebrates people from all walks of life who have made a significant contribution to human welfare or happiness; and/or have made an exceptional impact in their field, community or on society at large. Set up in 1866, the scheme helps showcase the importance of heritage across England, commemorating the houses and workplaces of famous figures, such as Emmeline Parkhurst, Alan Turing, Freddie Mercury, Arthur Conan Doyle, Marie Stopes, Samuel Pepys and Enid Blyton.

The national blue plaque scheme is run by Historic England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). It builds on the value and success of the London scheme and numerous local schemes across the country.The new additions to the panel consist of academics and cultural commentators from across England, have been drawn from the worlds of horticulture, cultural leadership, TV, the fine arts, academia and literature.

Garden designer, writer and broadcaster, Arit Anderson, joins; former Arts Council England chair and current chair of the Council of the Royal College of Art Sir Peter Bazalgette; art dealer Philip Mould; novelist and fellow of the Royal Society of Literature Laline Paull and science educator and author Alom Shaha. Nafisa El Turke, takes on the Young Advisor role – a role created as part of Historic England’s commitment to championing the inclusion of young voices as well as diverse perspectives.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said: “These new panellists will bring important knowledge and perspectives to help decide which individuals from across the nation should go forward to receive an official blue plaque. I expect that assessing the public nominations will be a difficult but fascinating challenge; I look forward to seeing the results at plaque unveilings in the coming years.”

Anderson said “I can now proudly announce that I have been accepted onto the panel of Historic England’s National Blue Plaque Scheme. I will work alongside a diverse group of 12 people from all over the country to select nominated candidates for national recognition for the significant contribution to society or their field of work.”

Based on nominations from the public, the new panel will decide who is to be honoured with a national blue plaque. Nominations open in spring and should be made via Historic England.