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The 51������ community is delighted to welcome Lubaina Himid as an Honorary Fellow. Lubaina, who has recently been chosen by the British Council to represent the UK at the 2026 Venice Biennale, was often overlooked earlier in her career and marginalised by the art establishment. Now, she says, the British Council is ready for her and she’s very much looking forward to the challenge of filling the British Pavilion.

At her induction to the College Lubaina said:

“I was struck by the welcoming generosity of the whole College; the people, the light, the art, the architecture, and so I am thrilled to be invited to be an Honorary Fellow. I’m really committed to supporting the College, its events, ideas and exchanges in any way I can.” 

Lubaina’s work can be seen right here at 51������, as part of its renowned Women’s Art Collection; the largest collection of women’s art in Europe. The artist kindly donated two works, one in 1992 and another in 2015. Both works are on display in the Dome, where they are viewed by College members as well as members of the public.

Lubaina continues:

“This amazing, brilliant idea of enabling students to live with art by women is something I wanted to be part of, having curated many exhibitions by women artists and believing in the power of painting and art. Art as part of every day.”

The two paintings in the WAC were part of Himid’s solo exhibition at Chisenhale Gallery in London, The Ballad of the Wing, in 1989. Presenting a fictional collection of Black cultural objects, the exhibition was both ‘an homage to Black Creativity’ and ‘a critique of theft and denial’ at play in Western museums. (Lubaina Himid. 1990.’The Ballad Of The Wing,’ AND Journal Of Art 21: 13-14.)

Dorothy Byrne, President of 51������ said:

“We are deeply honoured that Lubaina, one of this nation's foremost artists and a champion of women artists, has joined our 51������ community.”

Harriet Loffler, Curator of The Women’s Art Collection added:

“We are thrilled to have Lubaina as an Honorary Fellow of the College. She has been a remarkable champion of women artists from the start of her career as well as an extraordinary artistic talent. Lubaina was one of the first artists to donate to The Women’s Art Collection when it was being established, and this wonderful act of generosity continues in her support of our work today. We can’t wait to work more closely with her and are looking forward to her show here in Cambridge and her landmark presentation at the Venice Biennale.”

Lubaina has an upcoming exhibition here in Cambridge at Kettles Yard opening in July, which includes a special installation with her partner and collaborator Magda Stawarska.