Inverness art lecturer set to exhibit in James Bond’s and Duke of Edinburgh’s favourite London club
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AN INVERNESS art lecturer and award winning artist has been selected as one of thirty Scottish artists for an exhibit at a prestigious London club.
UHI Inverness art lecturer, Frank To, will see his gunpowder art on display in the Society of Scottish Artist Professional Members exhibition at the Caledonian Club in central London.
The establishment was the favourite hangout place of the late 007 legend Sean Connery and the late Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip.
This will mark the artist’s first professional showing with the SSA both as an elected professional member and recently appointed council member.
Commenting on the upcoming exhibition and recent appointment within the SSA, To said: “For me personally, it is important as a Scottish contemporary artist that I’m seen to do everything that I can to promote my nations’ creative and cultural sector. More importantly, I need to contribute to what is the best in Scottish contemporary art. By being selected for this exhibition, I can only hope that I can do my bit to the best of my abilities.
“To be part of the Society of Scottish Artists (SSA) is something that I’ve aspired to. I originally joined as a normal member after winning a number awards in their past shows. Due to my constant commitment in their annual exhibition usually hosted at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh, I was quickly elected by council as professional artist member and more recently due to my innovative persona appointed into their ruling council. Being officially appointed in these posts is both an honour and responsibility of which I can do my bit to promote the best of Scottish contemporary art in whatever capacity possible.”
Frank To is a UHI Inverness art lecturer whose pioneering gunpowder drawing technique is garnering him international recognition as a leading contemporary art figure amongst art critics and high profile collectors.
His work can be found in prestigious public collections such as the University of Cambridge and Northern Ireland Executive.
Founded in 1892 as a proprietary club, the Caledonian Club is located in the Belgravia area of London, and was meant to provide its members a little piece of Scotland in the heart of London, offering a welcoming and familiar home-from-home away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Membership is open to all Scots or those with a close association or empathy with Scotland and appreciation of its culture and traditions.
The exhibition opened on June 20 and will be on until July 13.
