Donor spotlight
Frederick Mulder CBE
We want to honour dedicated philanthropist Dr Frederick Mulder CBE for his steadfast commitment to human rights and PBI.
We are constantly impressed by his generosity, creative approach to philanthropy and commitment to the environment.
At the Sir Henry Brooke Awards 2019 we were delighted to be joined by Frederick Mulder CBE, who discussed Picasso's humanitarianism and the history of linocut before announcing an exclusive raffle of an original Picasso linocut. This was the first of two prints generously donated by the philanthropist.
“To hand the next generation a planet which will have more floods, more fires, more unbearable heat is in effect stealing from future generations. It is a theft we have no right to make. To me, protecting the environment is actually about protecting the rights of future generations.
So, it is important not only to have defenders of the environment; we must also defend the defenders. This is the core truth that informs all of PBI’s work. Picasso said, ‘the meaning of life if to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.’
Toros en Vallauris (1957), by Pablo Picasso
Online raffle
To raise vital funds during the difficult first UK COVID-19 lockdown, we launched the online raffle of an original Picasso linocut ‘Toros en Vallauris 1957’, which raised over £7,300 unrestricted income in two and a half months.
This linocut, designed and cut by Picasso to advertise the annual bullfight in the village of Vallauris, exemplifies his talent with the medium - boldly and abstractly depicting the picador and the bull at the height of the fight.
Read more about our other donors and our 2020 financial strategy.
So I’m giving this Picasso away - I hope it will contribute to the social justice and environmental protection we so badly need.”
Our winner
The winner of our raffle was human rights barrister Hugh Southey QC. In our interview with Hugh we discussed his career, interest in pro bono, and the situation of lawyers all over the world. He paid respect to non-legally trained human rights defenders, making the point that they become the main guarantors of the rule of law in countries where it is weak. In more dangerous contexts, he claims, activists are forced to use other means to put pressure on governments beyond the law.
Hugh expressed his gratitude for the ethos of his chambers. “One of the principles that Matrix promotes is the idea of giving equal value to every type of work undertaken by its barristers. It is quite attractive to be a lawyer where your work is respected.”
A large part of the chamber’s work is pro bono legal aid, representing victims who are seeking justice. In addition, since 2003, the Matrix Causes Fund has committed over £1 million to national and international charitable causes that promote access to justice, equality of opportunity, or a sustainable environment. PBI UK are very grateful for the ongoing support of the Fund, and the Matrix members and staff who make their work possible.
Matrix chambers barrister Hugh Southey