Thursday 15 February 2024 Dr Cate Watkinson (OG82) was installed as a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers for her contribution to education in glass at a ceremony in London in December 2023. The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers received their charter from King Charles II in 1664 and was set up to regulate the selling of glass to ensure quality and fair trade. Today, the company promotes the use of glass in arts, crafts, science and technology, as well as supporting education and training. Cate left Leeds in the early 1980s to study for a BA (Hons) in Glass with Ceramics at the University of Sunderland. She is now MA programme leader at the same university and is regularly commissioned to produce public art and ecclesiastical work. Her career has seen her create a memorial window for the Cathedral Church of St Mary’s, Newcastle and a sculpture for Northumbria Police HQ. Cate’s passion for art began at school thanks to Leeds Girls’ High School teacher, Mrs Stephenson. “She retired when I was in the lower sixth – I was devastated.” explains Cate. “After retiring, she moved to Wooler in Northumberland and we kept in touch until she died. I made a piece of stained glass for her home and she gave me one of her paintings. It’s still hanging in my home today.” On Cate’s election, former Master of the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers Barbara Beadman MBE said, “Cate operates at the top level of her profession, and has an unrivalled knowledge of the north east glass scene.” Having sworn an oath to the King at her installation ceremony Cate is now entitled to enjoy Freeman benefits, including the right to drive sheep and cattle over London Bridge – although in 2024, this ‘right’ is effectively symbolic. In reality, Cate is looking forward to using her Freeman status to influence industry: “At the moment, glass and glass artists are being hit hard,” she says. “I’m interested in demonstrating how glass can be used more efficiently, cheaply and sustainably.” See more of Cate’s work on her website. Alumni
