Goldie awarded top honour

The multi-talented star, originally from Walsall, received an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Design at a ceremony today (Friday, 3 September 2010).

The School of Art & Design presented the honour at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in recognition of Goldie’s work nationally and internationally both as a performer and artist.

At the ceremony, Goldie, real name Clifford Joseph Price, said: “It really means something coming to Wolverhampton. It is an honour to be recognised in these fields and by the academic community. It is quite overwhelming.”

He also thanked his family and friends for their support over the years, and had a few words of advice for the graduating art and design students.

“I knew I could change things around me – shape them for a better future. And I would say if you cannot say what you want to say about something, just paint it. Adapt and visualise and never stay still.”

A photographic exhibition charting the early career of Goldie, entitled ‘Stairway to Fame’, is taking place alongside the University’s MA Graduate Show.

The exhibition chronicles Goldie’s time as a breakdancer and graffiti artist in Wolverhampton, and Goldie visited the show for a special preview after the graduation ceremony.

Goldie earned his name as a graffiti artist in the West Midlands in the early 80s. His artwork around Birmingham and Wolverhampton was seen in Dick Fontaine's Channel 4 documentary Bombin', first screened in 1988, that also featured Afrika Bambaataa.

It was his move to London and a visit to the Rage Club in1991 that changed things for the graffiti artist. Goldie launched the infamous Sunday Sessions at the Blue Note and saw the birth and growth of the now infamous Drum and Bass label Metalheadz that created his album Timeless.

Many people will know Goldie from his many TV and film appearances, including Guy Ritchie's classic Snatch and the James Bond The World Is Not Enough. He became a firm favourite with many Eastenders fans and recently appeared in the highly successful BBC Maestro. He was then asked to score a piece of music for the Proms entitled Sine Tempore. A two-part BBC documentary, Classic Goldie followed, portraying his talents.

Soon afterwards he spoke out to try and recruit social workers on a national TV campaign, which won huge public support. Goldie is currently involved in TV and film projects.

The ‘Stairway to Fame’ exhibition is on the ground floor of the University of Wolverhampton School of Art and Design building in Molineux Street. It is open to the public from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 4 September, and 9am to 5pm from Monday 6 to Friday 10 September. Admission is free.

ENDS

Picture 1: Goldie

Picture 2: Goldie with Deputy Vice Chancellor, Sir Geoff Hampton and Dean of the School of Art & Design, Dr Bryony Conway

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736