More accolades for Humanium Metal artworks by alumni Frank To

The innovative art work of award-winning artist and University of Huddersfield alumni Frank To has caused another explosion of interest with the University of Cambridge purchasing his artwork made from Humanium Metal – upcycled illegal firearms -  for the permanent collection in their Junior Parlour at Pembroke College.

In addition, Frank has been unconditionally accepted into the prestigious Society of Graphic Fine Art annual exhibition at the Mall Galleries in central London opening in March.

Frank graduated from Huddersfield with a BA (Hons) Fine Art Painting and Drawing in 2004 and is now Contemporary Art Practice Lecturer at Inverness College UHI (University of the Highlands and Islands). His unique gunpowder drawing technique is garnering him international recognition as a leading contemporary art figure amongst art critics and high-profile collectors alike, including actor Sir Patrick Stewart and New York based Michel Witmer, who hangs To’s paintings alongside those of Picasso, Dine and Warhol.

Commenting on the University of Cambridge’s recent acquisition and upcoming London exhibition, Frank says: “The Humanium Metal artwork that was purchased by Pembroke College, called Innovation, was actually on show during my presentation at COP26. I was working in collaboration with OpenUK, which is a UK-based not-for-profit company which supports open source collaboration and open technologies within the United Kingdom.

"We presented together the current issue of global sustainability and highlighted the importance of Humanium Metal. The University of Cambridge was quite taken with the concept of the fair trade alloy and purchased the work in support of the cause. I am very honoured that an establishment with the prestige of Cambridge are in support of my research and my social activism, which has given me hope that the younger generation are now aligned for social justice and human rights – whether it is an academic paper or art work.