A local family has presented the Campbell River Art Gallery with a wonderful gift – an original Sybil Andrews linocut.
The Caldwell Family, led by Jack Caldwell, presented the Gallery with the piece, called ‘Ploughing Pasture,’ which will form part of the Gallery’s permanent collection. Art Gallery curator Liz Larsen Stoneberger said the linocut, which depicts a farmer plowing his field with birds flying around him, is typical of Andrews’ style.
Andrews was originally from England but lived in Campbell River from 1947 until her death in 1992. In recent years interest in her work has soared internationally. Before moving to Canada, Andrews worked in England with a well-known group of artists known as the Grosvenor School who embraced a new medium - linocuts - which involved printmaking using newly available linoleum blocks – a truly modern idea at the time.
Andrews was a well-known local resident for many years who taught music and art in the Willow Point cottage she shared with her husband Walter Morgan. Their historic cottage is now the home of the Campbell River Arts Council.
The donor, Caldwell, was one of Campbell River’s first lawyers. He moved to the area in the 1950s to practice law and eventually became a provincial court judge.
He purchased ‘Ploughing Pasture’ directly from Andrews several years after he moved to the community.
“The gift brings a significant Andrews piece to the Gallery’s collection,” Larsen Stoneberger said.
‘Ploughing Pasture’ is not currently being exhibited and is being kept at the Museum of Campbell River’s climate-controlled storage area for safekeeping.
Larsen Stoneberger said the Gallery cannot thank the Caldwell Family enough for this treasure.
“We are thrilled to have a piece by such an important artist included in our permanent collection and we are truly indebted to Jack Caldwell and his family for this stunning gift.”