Renowned artist Hannah Frank is to be awarded a posthumous honorary degree from the University of Glasgow.

The Doctor of Letters honorary degree is being awarded to Hannah Frank in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Glasgow, the Jewish Community, and the arts. Hannah Frank - graduation

Professor Graham Caie, Clerk of Senate and Vice Principal of the University of Glasgow said: “It is an indication of the esteem with which Hannah Frank is held at the University of Glasgow that she is to become the first person to be awarded a posthumous honorary degree from the University. She was a marvelous artist, greatly appreciated at this university and we are delighted to recognise her outstanding contribution to the arts in this way.”

Born in Glasgow in 1908, Hannah Frank’s black and white illustrations began with her work for the Glasgow University student magazine. She went on to produce posters and leaflets for almost all the Glasgow Jewish institutions from the late 1920s until the 50s. She studied at the University of Glasgow and Glasgow School of Art and her drawings and sculptures were exhibited regularly at the Royal Glasgow Institute and the Royal Academy. 

An exhibition of her work, ‘Hannah Frank: A Glasgow Artist – Drawing and Sculptures 100th Birthday Exhibition’ was held in the University Chapel in September last year. Hannah Frank died on 18 December 2008.

Fiona Frank, Hannah Frank’s niece, will collect the honour on behalf of the late artist’s family at a ceremony in the University of Glasgow’s Bute Hall on Commemoration Day, 17 June 2009.

Further information:
Martin Shannon, Media Relations Officer
University of Glasgow Tel: 0141 330 8593

First published: 24 March 2009

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