Art aficionado to be celebrated by U of S

The University of Saskatchewan will recognize Mulder for his lifelong contributions in the art world and his passion for philanthropy when he is awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws at the U of S Spring Convocation ceremonies at TCU Place on June 6.

The 73-year-old Mulder, who grew up in Eston, Sask., and has lived in London, England for more than 40 years, earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1964 at the U of S and is proud to join the distinguished list of recipients previously celebrated by his alma mater.

“I am very honoured,” Mulder said. “Because I live in London and often go to concerts, I am very aware that Gerald Finley, who regularly sings major roles at the Royal Opera House, and Angela Hewitt, the famous pianist, both have honorary degrees from the U of S and I feel humbled to be given the same honour. Angela Hewitt actually lives on the same street as me, which must be a first: two recipients of honorary degrees from the U of S on the same street in London!

“The U of S made a huge difference to me,” he added. “After having been brought up in a small town, it felt glamorous and exciting and intellectually challenging, and still does. I am sure it still fills that role for many young people of the province. Long may that last.”

Mulder, who went on to earn a master’s and a PhD studying at Brown University and Oxford, began a successful career as an art dealer in London in 1971. Widely considered a global expert in the field of 19th and 20th century European prints, his firm’s collection of Picasso linocuts is among the most extensive in the art world. In 2007, Mulder famously sold a Picasso etching for a record $3.5 million in New York and promptly donated 75 per cent of the proceeds to charity. Between 2012 and 2014, he also generously donated a collection of 23 Picasso ceramics to Saskatoon’s Remai Modern Art Gallery, as well as six original Picasso linocuts to the U of S art collection. 

“This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate not only Frederick Mulder’s career in the art world, but his remarkable commitment to supporting charitable causes and social change initiatives,” said U of S President Peter Stoicheff. “He is passionate about inspiring others to embrace the culture of philanthropy and has generously turned his success in the art world into a personal platform for giving back to the community. He provides an excellent example for all of us to follow.”

Among his charitable endeavors, Mulder is the chair of the Frederick Mulder Foundation, which supports projects to address climate change as well as the arts. He is also the founder of The Funding Network, which organizes live crowdfunding events for social change projects, and which he has helped spread to 15 other countries outside the U.K., including Canada. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to philanthropy by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012.

Mulder will be one of six honorary degree recipients at this year’s U of S Spring Convocation, from June 5-8 at TCU Place. He will be honoured during the 2 p.m. ceremony on June 6. For the complete schedule, please visit: https://students.usask.ca/events/spring-convocation.php