An Oscar-winning set designer famous for working on 18 Bond films has followed in the legendary footsteps of James Bond star Sir Roger Moore after collecting an honorary doctorate at St Albans Cathedral.
Set designer Peter Lamont, who has worked on some of the world’s most iconic films and Hollywood movie franchises, said he was ‘proud’ to be among those deemed pillars of the community by the University of Hertfordshire last week.
Peter’s successful career has seen him win an Academy Award for his work on one of the biggest films in Hollywood history, James Cameron’s Titanic.
Such was the size and scope of the project that he had to manage four art departments in four different parts of the world.
On the James Bond film franchise, Peter designed iconic sets and locations on 18 of the classic films, from Gold Finger to Casino Royale.
Peter, who has close links with Herts and has an autobiography, The Man with the Golden Eye, published later this month, said: “I never expected anything like this. I’ve worked all my life in the film industry and I’ve enjoyed what I’ve done. I’ve met lovely people, been to wonderful places – it’s a great industry.”
Just four years ago national treasure Sir Roger Moore also visited St Albans to collect his Honorary Doctorate from the Hatfield-based university.
Also among those honoured during the unversity’s graduation ceremonies was His Honour Michael Findlay Baker QC, who was given an Honorary Doctor of Laws last Tuesday (6) for his outstanding contribution to the legal profession.
While resident judge at St Albans Crown Court, he worked tirelessly to help break the cycle of drug addiction and offending by developing a pioneering legal scheme in Herts.
He also presided over the 2010 inquest into the 2002 Potters Bar rail crash. The jury found the points were in an unsafe condition, and there had been failures to either inspect or maintain them. It led to Network Rail being fined £3 million for safety failings.
Judge Baker said he was “profoundly grateful” to receive such an honour from the university.
The director and chief executive of Rothamsted Research in Harpenden, Professor Achim Dobermann, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science last Friday (9).
The academic is recognised internationally as one of the world’s leading authorities on science and technology for food security and sustainability.
He said: “I feel humbled and happy about receiving this honour, which to me is primarily a reflection of the global nature of science and the contributions many make to it.”
A prolific academic writer, Prof Dobermann has authored and co-authored over 250 scientific papers, several books, and is currently an editor of a global food security journal.
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