Historical Restoration Project at GCVI
From Arts in Guelph- May/June, 2006
by Anna Contini
As one of the oldest secondary schools in Ontario, Guelph Collegiate-Vocational Institute (GCVI) has acquired an extensive array of archives including historic team photographs and works of art. The school was established in 1854 and celebrated its milestone 150th anniversary in 2004. GCVI's motto is "Proud of our past, inspiring our Future." Honouring these words and recognizing that their heritage treasures should be on display for all to see, Chief Librarian Mary Mulholland spearheaded the historical restoration project. "Our goal was to renew the works and put them on prominent display for all to view and enjoy," says Mulholland.
Last year GCVI applied to the Guelph Community Foundation and was awarded $2,500 to be used for the restoration of the paintings and framing of the photographs. Within the collection there are seven paintings by local artists with connections to the school: Evan Macdonald, Gordon Couling, Roy Greenaway, Helen Carscadden, and H.H. Muller. There are also two small etchings by F.W. Dixon, a former teacher at GCVI. In addition, a total of fifteen archival photographs of athletic teams in hockey, football, track, rugby and basketball, spanning the years 1902 to 1948 have been framed.
The paintings were cleaned and restored to their former glory by Keith Bantock of Art Conservation Services in London, Ontario. The photographs were archivally matted and framed by Carolyn Riddell of DSIGN Custom Artwork. Carolyn also framed a collection of athletic crests and field day tags dating all the way back to 1919.
One of the highlights of the project was "discovering a calligraphied version of the Canadian Bill of Rights, on special parchment paper, hand signed by former Prime Minister John Diefenbaker," says Mulholland. This piece was donated by former Member of Parliament and GC graduate Alf Hales. It now bears an attractive gold frame and will be majestically displayed in the corner of the library.
An Open House and Exhibition of the works will take place Tuesday, May 2, beginning at 2 p.m. in the school library. Fittingly, the first week of May is Education Month. A music class choir will perform the original school song, and refreshments and a cake will be served. All are welcome to attend this special celebration.
Kudos to GCVI - may you continue to be "proud of the past" and "inspire the future"!
For more information about GCVI Historical Painting and Photography Exhibition please contact Mary Mulholland 824-4800, ext. 314 or mary.mulholland@ugdsb.on.ca.