Awards for Chiswick Residents in King's Birthday Honours List
Barbara Chandler and Jack Emsley among those recognised
Cllr Jack Emsley (left) and Barbara Chandler (right). Picture: Green Grads
June 13, 2026
Two Chiswick residents are among those featured in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list, published this week.
Photographer and design journalist Barbara Chandler has been awarded an MBE for services to the design industry. She is also the founder of Green Grads, the sustainability-focused graduate showcase she launched during the pandemic.
Ms Chandler, who worked for many years at the Evening Standard, is a self-taught photographer with an extensive archive of London images. Her work has been exhibited internationally, with major shows including Love London at Habitat on Regent Street, the Jubilee-year exhibition Celebration, and design-focused series such as Joy of Design and 20/20 Vision. Her prints and handmade photographic cards have sold in cities from London and Paris to Milan, Warsaw and Tokyo, while her book Love London brings together 180 of her images alongside quotations celebrating the capital.
In recent years she has devoted much of her time to developing and promoting Green Grads, which showcases the work of emerging UK designers developing ideas to improve the environment. Through exhibitions, social media and networking, the initiative aims to support innovation and encourage the sharing of knowledge in this field.
Cllr Jack Emsley, recently elected leader of the Conservative opposition group on Hounslow Council, has been awarded the British Empire Medal for public service. He was first elected to Chiswick Homefields ward in 2022 and became the youngest councillor ever elected chair of the Chiswick Area Forum in 2025. He has served as a trustee at the Dukes Meadows Trust since 2022, and as Vice President of the Chiswick Horticultural and Allotment Society since 2024.
Following the announcement he said, "I’m absolutely delighted, and a little shocked! It’s such an honour to be recognised for doing a role that I love.
"In addition to being a councillor, I’m lucky to be involved in a number of brilliant local charities, including as a trustee at the Dukes Meadows Trust and Vice President of the Chiswick Allotment Society. I love being able to play a small role in the groups that make our community so special.
"On a personal note, I was delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate the nomination with my mum before she passed away a few weeks ago. She dedicated her life to helping others, and was a big reason for me going into public service. "
Dame Helen Mirren, who was born in Chiswick, has been appointed a Companion of Honour.
If there is anyone with Chiswick connections who appears on this year’s list and whom we have not mentioned, please let us know at editor@chiswickw4.com.
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