Mike Westbrook OBE (1936–2026)

Arts University Plymouth is saddened by the death of Mike Westbrook OBE, who died on 11 April 2026. Mike was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the university in 2018 in recognition of his outstanding achievement in the arts.

Mike Westbrook OBE was an internationally renowned jazz musician and a key figure in the development of British jazz. His creative journey was closely connected to Plymouth, where he started his first band while studying at Plymouth Art School in 1958.

In his acceptance speech, Mike reflected on the importance of that experience to his life and work.

“Going to Plymouth Art School was a turning point in my career. It is one for which I am eternally grateful, and I am indeed honoured to receive this Honorary Fellowship.”

Across a career spanning more than 60 years, Mike was a bandleader, pianist and composer. His work encompassed music, theatre, cinema and poetry, and he toured extensively throughout Europe and internationally. He recorded more than 50 albums.

As part of the 2018 graduation ceremony, Mike performed a piano piece entitled View From The Drawbridge. Written in 1974 as part of Citadel/Room 315 and premiered in Stockholm, he dedicated the performance to his wife, artistic collaborator, vocalist and librettist Kate Westbrook.

Mike Westbrook was awarded an Honorary Fellowship from Arts University Plymouth, then Plymouth College of Art, in 2018 in recognition of his outstanding achievement in the arts.