Art
N.S. mural of Prime Minister sparks debate
The return of a mural featuring a controversial former Prime Minister to a legendary Halifax artist seems to be sparking a debate.
Tom Forrestall recently took possession of a piece he did 33 years ago, honouring Sir John Thompson.
Thompson was the country’s fourth Prime Minister, and the first born in Halifax.
He previously served as premier, Nova Scotia Supreme Court Judge, and even a Halifax alderman before he died unexpectedly at Windsor Castle in London at the age of 50.
Laid to rest in his home city, Thompson might be surprised to learn his legacy is sparking a debate.
Serving as Canada’s Minister of Justice during the Louis Riel Crisis, Thompson argued Riel should be executed for treason.
The hanging was carried out on Nov. 16, 1885 at the North-West Mounted Police barracks in Regina.
The Halifax mural was commissioned by the government for the Halifax building that bears his name.
Removed from a government building for renovations several years ago, officials decided not to reinstall it after noting the Riel connection.
Reluctant to enter the historic debate, the 87-year-old Forrestall did say he was happy the piece would be cared for with him, rather than face an uncertain future in government storage.
But some say hiding the piece is not the answer.
“Why couldn’t we possibly still display the mural, but tell the whole story?” asked Dalhousie Native Studies instructor Patricia Doyle-Bedwell.
“I don’t want to say we should get rid of the mural and have it stuck in somebody’s basement. I think it’s an absolute opportune teaching moment to say, ‘Yes – this is a painting that was done. This is the role that this person played, but this is the story and this is how we move forward from that story,’” she said, noting there’s a movement in Manitoba right now to officially recognize Riel as the province’s first premier.
“We know that he (Riel) was somebody who fought for the Canadian confederation, he fought for the Metis people. And during that time of history, there was still that whole government idea of getting rid of the ‘Indian Problem.’ Getting rid of the Indigenous peoples,” said Doyle-Bedwell.
“So, I’m supportive not hiding the painting in a basement or at Mr. Forrestall’s house, but to actually display it and offer that as a teaching moment to say, ‘This is what happened. This is the whole story.’ And perhaps, if Manitoba passes this legislation that says that Louis Riel would be considered the honourary First Premier of Manitoba, that story would also be told.”
It’s sentiment shared by others.
In a statement to CTV News, Cassidy Caron, the President of the Metis National Council said, “It is timely that we are having this conversation around this particular piece of work with the anniversary of Louis Riel’s execution next week.
“The passage of time has shown us that it is Louis Riel who is to be honoured as a hero of the Métis Nation and this country rather than those who actively participated against his struggle for recognition of Métis rights. As time goes on, Canadians are learning more about this country’s colonial history and the individuals who have contributed to the harms done to Indigenous peoples and nations.
“Pieces of artwork that honour those with questionable or complicated legacies should not be placed in positions of honour without the facts of history attached in detail.”
There are other tributes to Thompson in the country, including a Catholic Junior High School named for him in Edmonton.
The school’s website features a biography of the namesake, but there’s no reference to Riel there.
The site does have a land acknowledgement, noting the school sits on “the traditional land of Treaty 6 and home of Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4.”
Forrestal has said he’d consider donating the mural to an institution or government for public display again.
CTV News reached out to Edmonton Catholic Schools to inquire whether Sir John Thompson Junior High would be interested in taking the mural from Forrestall.
The response from Christine Meadows, communications manager, was brief.
“We typically do not accept donations of art,” she said.
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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