Controversial artist Tracey Emin – who exhibited her stained bed and dirty underwear at the 1999 Turner Prize – has been made a dame.
The artist, 60, who sold her grubby sheets and surrounding detritus for a rumoured £150,000 to Charles Saatchi, has been welcomed into the Establishment for services to art.
Known for her autobiographical and confessional pieces, another of her most infamous works was a tent decorated with 102 names of lovers, friends and family members entitled Everyone I Have Ever Slept With 1963-1995.
The artist, who lives in Margate, Kent, said of her award: ‘Dame Tracey has a good ring to it.
‘I’m very very happy. Another brilliant surprise in my life.’
Dame Tracey was diagnosed with bladder cancer four years ago. Her organ was removed and she now uses a urostomy bag. Designer Anya Hindmarch, 55, is also made a dame for services to fashion and to business.
Privately educated at a Catholic girls’ school, she is most noted for her handbags, which by 1992 were selling to the fashionable in London, New York and Paris.
Similarly made a dame is actress Imelda Staunton, honoured for services to drama and charity.
The 68-year-old has a role in the forthcoming Paddington in Peru film, the third installment in the series, as the voice of the bear’s Aunt Lucy.
Mrs Staunton has also appeared in Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey, as well as playing the late Queen Elizabeth II in The Crown. She is an ambassador for homelessness charity Crisis.
