He has been the Chair for the Campaign for Museums since 1995.
He was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in
the 2003 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to Patient Care especially Hospital Catering.
He was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2015 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to Heritage in London, England.
Rock band Space make fun of his catchphrase "Who lives in a house like this?" on their single "Neighbourhood" (1996).