PROFESSOR Stanley Wells, one of the world’s foremost Shakespearians, has been awarded a knighthood in the Queen’s 90th Birthday Honours list.
The honour has been bestowed on Professor Wells in recognition of his services to Shakespeare scholarship – including an association of over 40 years with the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Professor Well’s distinguished career with the Trust began in 1975 as representative trustee of the University of Birmingham, later becoming a Life Trustee and Chairman, and in 2011 he became the Trust’s first Honorary President.
He is also Emeritus Professor of Shakespeare Studies of the University of Birmingham, former Vice-Chairman and now Honorary Emeritus Governor of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Trustee of the Rose Theatre, and a member of the Council of Shakespeare’s Globe.
A prolific and successful writer, speaker and broadcaster, Professor Wells is General Editor of the Oxford and Penguin editions of Shakespeare and has written and edited numerous books and other publications on Shakespeare’s life and works.
The leading voice of Shakespeare studies, he speaks at numerous conferences and other events, sharing his passion for Shakespeare all over the world.
Speaking about his knighthood, Professor Wells said: “I am delighted to receive this honour. I feel myself most fortunate in having been able to spend so much of my life in the company of Shakespeare and of those who admire and enjoy his works.
“Throughout my career as teacher and scholar I have enjoyed and benefitted enormously from collaborating with fellow scholars from all over the world, and I hope they will share my pleasure in receiving this award.”
Peter Kyle, Chairman of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, said all at the Trust were delighted to see Professor Wells honoured.
He added: “We are delighted to hear that Professor Wells’s outstanding services to Shakespeare have been recognised by Her Majesty The Queen in the Birthday Honours List.
“Stanley’s knighthood comes at a particularly wonderful time in the year marking the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s creative legacy. We offer him the warmest congratulations on this very prestigious honour.”
