The largest collection of stuff we have belonging to the same category is that generically identified as paintings or wall hangings (which includes prints, an historic map, original documents and wood carvings). There are 51 of them in all. Most of them are original paintings, some antique. They reflect not only local artists but also several from Ottawa, Kingston, Toronto and Montréal. One is memorably from Hilton Head Island (a resort which is forever a favourite of ours). There is one exception to the list of hangings and that is a collection of drink coasters consisting of exotic images of bow ties, tobacco pipes, pocket watches and shaving accoutrements given to me by Audrey O’Brien, former Clerk of the House of Commons. Audrey was also M’Lady in the Fraser Highlanders from Montréal. We were both initiated into the Regiment at the Hunt Club with Grete Hale (of Morrison Lamothe Bakery fame) then in attendance.
My patronage of local artists is intentional. Not only are the prices affordable by comparison to many others of more celebrated character, but also is their quality remarkably persuasive. I am mindful that every artist started as an unknown. Over 45 years ago for example local sculpture Dale Dunning was just making an impression. It wasn’t however long afterwards that he exhibited at Dominion Galleries on Sherbrooke St W in Montréal.
The paintings we have were acquired by retail purchase, live auction, estate sale, inheritance and gift. We have reached the limit of acquisition. There is literally no more commodious space for anything else on the walls of the apartment. Even the so-called gallery style of exhibition demands some constraint to avoid being completely conspicuous. We are rapidly approaching that uncomplimentary level. This is especially so because I feel it is important to contribute to these works of art an appropriate showcase. They are not mere wallpaper.
Because our drawing room is the site of the majority of paintings and wall hangings, having three 9 foot windows is a concern. We face easterly and of course on a sunny day the radiance is abundant. Thankfully we have easily manipulated window coverings on each of the three windows to shelter the paintings from prolonged exposure to sunlight. We are reminded of the obligation by the mounting heat even when the exterior temperature is cool so the preservation assists both the paintings and us.
While there is a wide variety of paintings about the apartment each one of them without exception is framed in wood of diverse description and model. Some are ornate, others are austere. None is metallic.
The absence of uniformity in the artwork is no accident. Each is an expression of a different subject, colour or model. Naturally we feel that they all capture a digestible ingredient but I am hard pressed to categorize any common theme. I will however emphasize that I wouldn’t willingly accept just any production. There are for example certain of the so-called “modern” stylists whom I consider both vulgar and generally uncomfortable or unintelligent. I view art as expressive but not necessarily as riotous or revolutionary. No doubt this apparent placidity of mine will be unimpressive to some. For me however the drawing room remains a place of leisure and relaxation, not an auditorium for objectionable proclamations.