Edwin Headley Holgate

Notes:

initialed recto; signed, titled & dated verso

Holgate is a key figure in the development of modern art in Canada, and likely the Group member with the broadest artistic interests. During his early career, Holgate studied with William Brymner and Maurice Cullen, and travelled extensively in Europe, in particular Paris, where he shared a studio in Concarneau with Robert Pilot.

In Canada, Holgate traveled with A. Y. Jackson on numerous sketching trips, beginning in 1923, as they shared a similar passion for the rural Quebec landscape. It was this long term association that led to Holgate becoming the eighth member of the Group of Seven, the first residing outside Ontario.

The well-respected Holgate was involved with many associations, both anglophone and francophone, and became a founding member of both the Beaver Hall Group and the Canadian Group of Painters. Holgate taught at his studio, at the Art Association of Montreal and the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, and impacted many Quebec artists through his instruction, including Jean Paul Lemieux and Paul-Emile Borduas.

In 1946, Holgate left Montreal for a quieter life in Morin Heights, a setting to perhaps match his private and reserved temperament. Here, Holgate would spend most of his remaining life, enjoying a renewed interest in landscape, inspired by the Laurentian countryside.

Notes:

initialed; signed & titled verso
Provenance: Wallack Galleries, Ottawa; Masters Gallery, Calgary

Notes:

initialed; signed & titled verso
Provenance: Masters Gallery, Calgary; Wallack Galleries, Ottawa

While best known for his portraits and nudes, Holgate is also admired for his Quebec landscapes, particularly those of the Laurentian and Charlevoix regions. It was through his passion for the Quebec countryside that Holgate first connected with A.Y. Jackson, travelling together on Quebec sketching trips. This connection led to his invitation in 1930 to join the Group of Seven, as the eighth member. When the group disbanded, Holgate was one of the founding members of the Canadian Group of Painters.

Holgate’s affinity for the Laurentians led him to build a cabin at Lake Tremblant in 1925. Upon returning to Montreal following his duties as a war artist, he found himself out of place in the Montreal art scene and moved to the Laurentians where he could immerse himself in painting the local landscape. He would reside there until 1973.

Notes:

initialed in the screen