Past Master awarded CBE

We would like to congratulate Past Master David Burbidge who has been awarded a CBE for his services to cultural philanthropy in the West Midlands.

David, who was Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company from 2004-2005, is the chairman of kitchen furniture manufacturer Burbidge and Son Ltd.

He is a champion of the arts and is the chairman of the executive group for the bid for Coventry to become the 2021 UK City of Culture.

David, who is Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, was chairman of Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre until 2008 and led the venue through a major management change and a successful £14m capital project.

Until recently he was also a main board member of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and was the chairman of the Central Campaign for the £112m transformation of the RSC theatres at Stratford upon Avon. More recently he has been the champion for the £4.5m campaign for restoration of the Swan Wing at the theatre.

David was also the founding Chairman of the Coventry Cathedral Development Trust, which raised more than £5m for the Cathedral ministry and for endowment.

David said: “I am incredibly honoured to receive a CBE for my services to cultural philanthropy in the West Midlands.

“I have always had a strong interest in arts and culture and look forward to continuing to being involved with this sector.”