Anne Newlands

Such lush tapestries! The colour is amazing and the photography reproduced large enough to give a good feeling for the effect of the work. It was sometimes challenging (I gather) for Newlands to find photos of the work either in situ or flat-on as a documentary image, but she rose to the occasion.

Newlands mentions how many public buildings were constructed during the 60s and 70s (Expo 67! 1976 Olympics!) and the fact that Canadian law at the time mandated 1% of the construction budget be show more spent on Canadian art. I remember that there were many government-funded projects at that time and a flourishing of Canadian culture. Pierre Trudeau is a controversial figure, but in the realm of Canadian art we have a lot to thank him for. (The man was insufferably arrogant, but he had many gifts and accomplishments to be arrogant about.) The monumental scale of Rousseau-Vermette's tapestries really suited the scale of mid-century brutalist architecture and the wool gave a warm texture that softened the effect of the concrete and made it welcoming.

I would unreservedly recommend this book to anyone interested in mid-century art (Canadian or otherwise), women's history, weaving, or a myriad of other topics. It's just that good.

Personal update: I was fortunate enough to source an unread copy, half-price from a discount book distributor, and was very happy to remove this book from my wishlist and add it to my library. show less

I loved this book. It was so interesting and his work is amazing. I love that he's captured a period in time that has almost completely disappeared. Reminds me of Carl Nyquist.

This is an informative little book which introduces the Group of Seven from Canada, explaining who they are, and which then proceeds explain how the group functioned, their influences, and to show the variety and scope of their work. There are over 35 colour plates of which over half are full page, and a further 15 or more monochromes which are either period photographs of drawings.

A handy little book, beautifully illustrated with some superb and very varied paintings, it is bound to inspire show more anyone who sees it to want to explore further the Group of Seven show less

Signed by author "Anne Newlands January 2001