Fifteen works by E.J. Hughes donated to Whistler Gallery
Thanks to Lawyer and art collector Jacques Barbeau and Marguerite Owen, 15 original works by the late British Columbia artist E.J. Hughes will be put on permanent display at the Audain Art Museum....
Thanks to Lawyer and art collector Jacques Barbeau and Marguerite Owen, 15 original works by the late British Columbia artist E.J. Hughes will be put on permanent display at the Audain Art Museum.
'In my young mind it just had an impact - the colouring, the tonality, the scene - it just sort of registered in my mind.'
In the process he became friends with Hughes.
'In the later part of my formal education, I was very impressed by the fact that you have to pay back. I think the payback aspect is to payback what you've inherited in culture.'
Barbeau tells Carol that after enjoying Hughes works for 40 years, he feels a commitment to the people of BC to allow them to experience the paintings for themselves. He is certain that the artist would have wanted the public to have access.
They will be housed in the Barbeau - Owen Gallery at the new museum.
"E.J. Hughes said, 'My art is really the bequest to the people of British Columbia and Canada.' You got the hint, ultimately, that the walls of my living room may not be the best depository."
Old Baldy Mountain, Shawnigan Lake - 1961 (Painting by E.J. Hughes)
Barbeau says when he saw the sketches of the Audain, he knew the museum would be a great home for Hughes' work.
The Barbeau - Owen collection is on a 30 year loan to the gallery. An opening is planned for next year.