Philanthropist and politician Sir Frederick Mappin is sometimes called the father of Sheffield University, as he was instrumental in its foundation. As well as donating £2000 for the building of the Technical School and funding prizes and scholarships, Mappin contributed £7000 to the building of the University. When the University opened, in 1905, Mappin was made the first Pro-Chancellor and for many years he was chairman of the Applied Science Department.

Mappin's background was in cutlery - he began as manager of the family business, Mappin Bros., then in 1859 became senior partner in Thomas Turton and Sons at Sheffield's Sheaf Works. But Mappin's political ambitions led to a new career; in 1880 he was elected MP for East Retford and in from 1885 to 1906 he served as MP for Hallamshire.

Mappin held many honorary titles in his home city, including Master Cutler, Town Councillor (both 1855), Justice of the Peace (1870), Town Trustee (1871), Mayor (1877), and Town Collector (1893). In 1900 he became one of the first Freemen of the City of Sheffield, along with Sir Henry Stephenson and the Duke of Norfolk.

After the death of his uncle John Newton Mappin in 1884, Sir Frederick oversaw the completion of the Mappin Art Gallery and also contributed more than 80 works to its permanent collection. In addition he was an active supporter of the church and also left large bequests to the city's Royal Infirmary, Royal Hospital and Jessop Hospital for Women.

Photograph of Sir Frederick Thorpe Mappin courtesy of Sheffield Libraries.