Edward Hardy Harrison CM RCA LL.D. (August 28, 1926 – January 16, 2015) was an English-Canadian artist who created many paintings of the Yukon.[1]

Ted Harrison

Born
Edward Hardy Harrison

(1926-08-28)August 28, 1926
DiedJanuary 16, 2015(2015-01-16) (aged 88)
NationalityBritish
Canadian
Alma materWest Hartlepool School of Art
University of Durham University of Alberta
Known forPainter

Early life and education edit

Ted Harrison was born in Wingate, County Durham, England, in 1926.[1][2][3] He started to paint at the West Hartlepool School of Art in England. Although interrupted by war, Harrison went on to complete his studies, being awarded a National Diploma in Design from the College in 1949. His subsequent earning of a teaching certificate from the University of Durham and a B.Ed from the University of Alberta, led to a teaching career that lasted almost three decades.[4][5]

Career edit

Beginning in 1968, Harrison resided in Yukon, Canada, a location with prominence in many of his works.[6] He stayed there until 1993. His work from this period focused on the colours and culture of the Yukon.[7]

He worked, from the 1970s and thus in his post-academic capacity, not only as an artist but also as an illustrator and author. His work in the field earned him a national first: selection for the International Children’s Book Exhibition in Bologna, Italy.[4] One of his illustrations is of the Robert Service poem "The Cremation of Sam McGee".[8] He often assigned unfamiliar tone to depicted features.

In 1987, Harrison was made a Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions to Canadian culture. He also held honorary doctorates from Athabasca University (1991), the University of Victoria (1998) and the University of Alberta (2005).[4] He was made a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts[9]

Personal life edit

Harrison's wife, Nicky, died from Alzheimer's disease in 2000.[1][10] Harrison subsequently helped raise money for Alzheimer foundations.[10] Harrison died in his sleep at the age of 88 on January 16, 2015.[11]

Personal archive edit

In 2011, Harrison donated his personal archive to the University of Victoria's Library.[12]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Amos, Mike (August 31, 2006). "The Northern Echo: JOHN NORTH – Anything Yukon do". The Northern Echo. Retrieved March 2, 2007.
  2. ^ "Yukon painter Ted Harrison celebrated in biography". CBC News. August 25, 2009.
  3. ^ "Ted Harrison Gallery Serigraphs – biography". Retrieved March 2, 2007.
  4. ^ a b c Boon, Sarah (April 20, 2005). "Ted Harrison to receive honorary degree". University of Alberta. Archived from the original on May 7, 2005. Retrieved March 2, 2007.
  5. ^ Blennerhassett, Patrick (February 10, 2006). "Ted Harrison talks politics and religion". Victoria News. Retrieved March 2, 2007.
  6. ^ Kennedy, Janice (June 13, 1992). "Artist celebrates Canada's birthday". The Record. Retrieved March 2, 2007.
  7. ^ Purdy, Lucy (September 19, 2004). "Unique Colours of Music show presents". The Barrie Advance. Retrieved March 2, 2007.
  8. ^ Adilman, Sid (October 19, 1986). "Sam McGee and a Gambling Grandma". The Toronto Star. Retrieved March 2, 2007.
  9. ^ "Members since 1880". Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. Archived from the original on May 26, 2011. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
  10. ^ a b McNeely, Sean (March 18, 2000). "An Alzheimer spouse travels a lonely road – Caring for a stricken partner exacts an enormous toll". The Toronto Star. Retrieved March 2, 2007.
  11. ^ "Ted Harrison, Canadian painter, dead at 88 | CBC News".
  12. ^ "Decorated artist donates personal items to UVic". www.oakbaynews.com. Oak Bay News. Retrieved January 16, 2015.

External links edit