ONWARD RANCH

oil on panel

10.5 x 13.25 in. (26.7 x 33.7 cm)

Price Realized:

20700.00 CAD.

INCLUDES BUYER’S PREMIUM

Notes:

signed, titled & dated
Provenance: Loch Gallery, Winnipeg

“It will always go onward” were the words used by Charles Eagle to describe his ranchlands near William’s Lake, BC. Established during the Cariboo Gold Rush, and situated next to the first gold miner’s trail, miners often sought refuge here during the coldest winter days.

The ranch was purchased and transformed in 1920 by Charles George Cowan and his wife Vivien, a strong patron of the arts. It became a place of significance in the arts community. Vivian studied at the Banff School of Fine Arts, developing a long-term family friendship with A.Y. Jackson. Jackson stayed at the Cowan’s Onward Ranch during many summers, often for weeks at a time. The ranch became a regular haunt of artists, musicians and creative people. It was during one of Jackson’s trips that Vivian founded the historic Cariboo Arts Society. It was here that Jackson also mentored and encouraged the Cowan’s daughter, Sonia, who would later become known as Sonia Cornwall.