Kay Hartley, founder member of the Study Group for Roman Pottery and international authority on mortaria, was made an Honorary Doctor of Letters by Newcastle University in a ceremony on 8th December.
The honour, which was supported by the SGRP and Kay’s family, was awarded in recognition of Kay’s immense contribution to academic scholarship, in particular Roman pottery studies and the study of the Northern Roman walls, and for her role in championing women in archaeology.
At the ceremony, Kay said: “I am flabbergasted. I really do feel the honour. I did register for a PhD in 1959 but I couldn’t get a grant as I was married.”
Alice Lyons, President of the SGRP, said: “Huge congratulations to Kay Hartley, who has been awarded a long overdue honorary doctorate by the University of Newcastle. It is a reflection of the amazing contribution she has made to Roman pottery studies and the esteem in which she is held by her peers.”