The Pollock Gallery (active 1960–1981), was a commercial art gallery in Toronto established by art dealer, author, art educator and painter Jack Pollock. First located at 205 Elizabeth St in downtown Toronto in 1960, the gallery initially represented Canadian artists, most notably Norval Morrisseau. In 1966, the gallery showed works by the Hungarian-Canadian painter Julius Marosan. Later, works by British and American and other artists were exhibited, including those by David Hockney, Willem de Kooning, Anni Albers and Dieter Roth.
Within a year, the gallery relocated to 201 Elizabeth St (1961–1963), then 599 Markham St (1963–1971, with another site at 604A King St West 1966–1968), 356 Dundas St West (1972–1975, with another site at the Toronto Dominion Centre 1972–1973), and lastly 122 Scollard St in the Yorkville area of Toronto (1975–1982, with another site, 209 Adelaide St East 1980–1983). During its years of activity, the gallery employed Brian A. Marshall Schieder, Philip Ottenbrite (assistant director), Eva Quan, Frank Costin, Laurie Payne (graphic director), Helen Boyd, Renya Onasick (advertising and publicity), Lawrence Hurst (gallery administrator), Stephen Long (librarian) and others. Within months after Jack Pollock became chronically ill, the main gallery officially closed in December, 1981; the Pollock Gallery went into bankruptcy in 1983.
John Henry Pollock (1930–1992), known primarily as Jack Pollock, was a Canadian art dealer, painter, art instructor, author and owner/director of the Pollock Gallery in Toronto. Born in Toronto, he attended the Ontario College of Art there and the Slade School of Fine Art in London, England. He opened the Pollock Gallery in Toronto in 1960. In 1962, Jack Pollock met Anishinaabe painter and printmaker Norval Morrisseau while teaching in northern Ontario. Shortly after, he mounted an exhibition (1962) of the artist’s work at the Pollock Gallery, which continued to represent Morrisseau for several years. In 1979, Jack Pollock collaborated with author and broadcaster Lister Sinclair (1921–2006) on the illustrated publication The art of Norval Morrisseau (Toronto: Methuen, 1979). Pollock also wrote We all are all (Toronto, 1980), a privately-published book of poetry illustrated with his own drawings; Dear M (Toronto: McClelland and Stewart, 1989), a memoir in letters written to his psychiatrist between 1984 and 1987; and several exhibition catalogues. After he became chronically ill, the Pollock Gallery closed in 1981. In 1984 he moved to Gordes in the south of France. Jack Pollock died in Toronto in 1992. Paintings, prints and drawings by Jack Pollock are in the collections of the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Hamilton (Ont.) and other public art museums in Canada.
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Partial
Draft
Fonds consists of administrative records of the Pollock Gallery in Toronto during the period 1967–1982; gallery correspondence; files on gallery artists and others; photographs of sculptors Frances Loring and Florence Wyle; records of gallery owner Jack Pollock; and material related to gallery artist Norval Morrisseau and to a book about him co-written by Jack Pollock.
AGO credit line: Gift of Rosalyn and Michael Marx, 2018
No further accruals are expected.
The material now constituting the Pollock Gallery fonds remained on the last premises of the gallery after it closed and was retained by the landlord of the property. It was transferred to the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) in October 2016 and July 2017.
Description prepared by Gary Fitzgibbon, 2018.
Uploaded and adapted by Nirvana Chainani, 2019
The Jack Pollock fonds contains personal records of Jack Pollock.
Access to series 1, 2, 6 and 8 of the fonds is partially restricted for a period of 50 years from the date of the document. Researchers should apply to the archivist for assistance. Access to Special Collections is by appointment.
Various copyright holders. It is the researcher’s responsibility to obtain permission to publish any part of the fonds.
http://ago.ca/sites/default/files/SC154.pdf
The Pollock Gallery (active 1960–1981), was a commercial art gallery in Toronto established by art dealer, author, art educator and painter Jack Pollock. First located at 205 Elizabeth St in downtown Toronto in 1960, the gallery initially represented Canadian artists, most notably Norval Morrisseau. In 1966, the gallery showed works by the Hungarian-Canadian painter Julius Marosan. Later, works by British and American and other artists were exhibited, including those by David Hockney, Willem de Kooning, Anni Albers and Dieter Roth.
Within a year, the gallery relocated to 201 Elizabeth St (1961–1963), then 599 Markham St (1963–1971, with another site at 604A King St West 1966–1968), 356 Dundas St West (1972–1975, with another site at the Toronto Dominion Centre 1972–1973), and lastly 122 Scollard St in the Yorkville area of Toronto (1975–1982, with another site, 209 Adelaide St East 1980–1983). During its years of activity, the gallery employed Brian A. Marshall Schieder, Philip Ottenbrite (assistant director), Eva Quan, Frank Costin, Laurie Payne (graphic director), Helen Boyd, Renya Onasick (advertising and publicity), Lawrence Hurst (gallery administrator), Stephen Long (librarian) and others. Within months after Jack Pollock became chronically ill, the main gallery officially closed in December, 1981; the Pollock Gallery went into bankruptcy in 1983.
Published
Series comprises records of the management of the Pollock Gallery during various periods of its activity
between 1967 and 1982, including records of transactions with clients and other art galleries; financial
records; files on works of art consigned to the gallery for exhibition and sale by artists, or for resale by
collectors; records of consignment of works to rental services of art museums; accounting for art gallery
purchases from art dealers and artists; and related material.
Access to certain files in this series is restricted for a period of 50 years from the date of the document. See file descriptions for details.
Published
File contains a partial ledger of gallery accounts payable and receivable between 1967 and 1981, recording sales of works of art, charges for framing and other services provided or received. The records were kept alphabetically by artist, art gallery, or company providing service.
Arrangement by box-folder: 1-1) A
Access to this file is partially restricted for a period of 50 years from the date of the document. Researchers should apply to the archivist for assistance.
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File contains undated consignment forms (largely incomplete) used to record titles, measurements and other details of works received from artists, probably in the 1960s and 1970s, together with photocopies of consignment forms, including some duplicates.
Arrangement by box-folder: 2-1) consignment forms; 2-2) photocopies.
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File contains records of purchase and consignment of multiples (with some originals) by the gallery between 1970 and 1979, including a list of works purchased in 1971
Arrangement by box-folder: 1-3) A-D; 1-4) E-H; 1-5) I
Access to this file is partially restricted for a period of 50 years from the date of the document. Researchers should apply to the archivist for assistance.
Published
File contains a ledger of accounts receivable and payable for 1973
Access to this file is partially restricted for a period of 50 years from the date of the document. Researchers should apply to the archivist for assistance.
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File contains lists of names and addresses of artists associated with the gallery, possibly compiled in the 1970s.
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File contains contracts listing artists’ works accepted on consignment between the 1970s and 1981, with copies of receipts, and related material.
Access to this file is partially restricted for a period of 50 years from the date of the document. Researchers should apply to the archivist for assistance.
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File contains minutes of a meeting (1981) regarding gallery policy on contracts with artists; a notebook with names, telephone numbers and gallery events; notes on projects, and other material.
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File contains copies of receipts from Frameguild Mouldings (Downsview, Ont.) for framing services, with ledger records of framing ordered by the gallery in the 1970s.
Access to this file is partially restricted for a period of 50 years from the date of the document. Researchers should apply to the archivist for assistance.
Published
File contains gallery invoices for works sold in 1975-1976.
Access to this file is partially restricted for a period of 50 years from the date of the document. Researchers should apply to the archivist for assistance.
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File contain records of consignments of works of art by the gallery to rental services in art museums in Toronto, Hamilton, London (Ont.), Montreal, Oshawa, and elsewhere in Canada, and to (commercial) art galleries in Canada and the U.S. between 1976 and 1981. Records are sorted alphabetically by museum or gallery.
Arrangement by box folder: 2-5) A
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File contains copies of minutes of meetings of the Professional Art Dealers Association of Canada, and related correspondence between 1977 and 1981, with the first issue of the association bulletin. Records are sorted chronologically.
Arrangement by box-folder: 2-7) 1977-1978; 2-8) 1979-1981.
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File contains copies of receipts for works of art placed on consignment with the gallery between 1977 and 1981 for resale by private collectors; with photos of paintings by Jack Bush, and Norval Morrisseau; and related material. File includes 1 photographic print and 4 slides (photographs).
Access to this file is partially restricted for a period of 50 years from the date of the document. Researchers should apply to the archivist for assistance.
Published
Item is a deposit book for a business account of the gallery at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, showing transactions between August and December of 1979.
Published
File contains photocopies of financial records showing balances owing to or from gallery artists, and similar records, from January, 1982 shortly after the closing of the Pollock Gallery.
Access to this file is partially restricted for a period of 50 years from the date of the document. Researchers should apply to the archivist for assistance.
Source of title proper:
Title based on the contents of the series. (File titles are chiefly taken from containers.)
The Pollock Gallery (active 1960–1981), was a commercial art gallery in Toronto established by art dealer, author, art educator and painter Jack Pollock. First located at 205 Elizabeth St in downtown Toronto in 1960, the gallery initially represented Canadian artists, most notably Norval Morrisseau. In 1966, the gallery showed works by the Hungarian-Canadian painter Julius Marosan. Later, works by British and American and other artists were exhibited, including those by David Hockney, Willem de Kooning, Anni Albers and Dieter Roth.
Within a year, the gallery relocated to 201 Elizabeth St (1961–1963), then 599 Markham St (1963–1971, with another site at 604A King St West 1966–1968), 356 Dundas St West (1972–1975, with another site at the Toronto Dominion Centre 1972–1973), and lastly 122 Scollard St in the Yorkville area of Toronto (1975–1982, with another site, 209 Adelaide St East 1980–1983). During its years of activity, the gallery employed Brian A. Marshall Schieder, Philip Ottenbrite (assistant director), Eva Quan, Frank Costin, Laurie Payne (graphic director), Helen Boyd, Renya Onasick (advertising and publicity), Lawrence Hurst (gallery administrator), Stephen Long (librarian) and others. Within months after Jack Pollock became chronically ill, the main gallery officially closed in December, 1981; the Pollock Gallery went into bankruptcy in 1983.
Published
Series comprises correspondence regarding the business affairs of the Pollock Gallery and other art-related matters between 1962 and 1982, including business (and some personal) correspondence to Jack Pollock; a file of letters notifying clients, artists and others of the impending closure of the gallery in 1981; and other correspondence.
No further accruals are expected
Restrictions on access: File 3 "Art evaluations," is restricted for a period of 50 years from the date of the document
Various copyright holders. It is the researcher’s responsibility to obtain permission to publish any part of the fonds.
Published
File contains correspondence from 1962-1963 with business associates of Jack Pollock, artists, institutions, organizations and other correspondents. File includes 2 photos of mosaics (1962). Records are sorted chronologically, except for largely undated material regarding the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition.
Arrangement by box-folder: 3-1) 1962; 3-2) 1963; 3-3) Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition material.
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File contains a request for an appraisal of prints and paintings (with photos), an invoice for restoration work, information about a film project, Revenue Canada tax bills, a script for a children
Open
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File contains carbon copies of letters from 1980-1982 providing evaluation of works of art for insurance purposes, and similar correspondence.
Restricted access: see correspondence series description for details
Published
File contains office correspondence from 1981-1982 with clients, creditors, artists and others, in large part related to the closure of the Pollock Gallery in December, 1981; with photo of a work of art (1981). Records are sorted chronologically.
Arrangement by box-folder: 3-5) 1981; 3-6) 1982.
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File contains copies of circular letters from Jack Pollock and gallery administrator Lawrence Hurst regarding the closing of the Pollack Gallery in December 1981, with lists of names and addresses of recipients.
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Published
File contains correspondence from 1981-1982, chiefly to Pollock Gallery administrator Lawrence Hurst, regarding works of art consigned to art museums and commercial galleries at the time the gallery was preparing to close; with copies of related correspondence to artists.
Open
Title based on the contents of the series. (File titles are taken chiefly from the ring binders in which the files were kept.)
Statement of responsibility:
Photo credits are supplied for photographers of items in several files of the series.
Physical description:
Series includes 365 photographic prints and 294 slides (photographs).
General note:
The Art Gallery of Ontario holds works by artists named in this series in its permanent collection: Anni Albers, Josef Albers, Harold Feist, David Hockney, Dieter Roth, Arnold Shives, and Alexander Wyse.
The Pollock Gallery (active 1960–1981), was a commercial art gallery in Toronto established by art dealer, author, art educator and painter Jack Pollock. First located at 205 Elizabeth St in downtown Toronto in 1960, the gallery initially represented Canadian artists, most notably Norval Morrisseau. In 1966, the gallery showed works by the Hungarian-Canadian painter Julius Marosan. Later, works by British and American and other artists were exhibited, including those by David Hockney, Willem de Kooning, Anni Albers and Dieter Roth.
Within a year, the gallery relocated to 201 Elizabeth St (1961–1963), then 599 Markham St (1963–1971, with another site at 604A King St West 1966–1968), 356 Dundas St West (1972–1975, with another site at the Toronto Dominion Centre 1972–1973), and lastly 122 Scollard St in the Yorkville area of Toronto (1975–1982, with another site, 209 Adelaide St East 1980–1983). During its years of activity, the gallery employed Brian A. Marshall Schieder, Philip Ottenbrite (assistant director), Eva Quan, Frank Costin, Laurie Payne (graphic director), Helen Boyd, Renya Onasick (advertising and publicity), Lawrence Hurst (gallery administrator), Stephen Long (librarian) and others. Within months after Jack Pollock became chronically ill, the main gallery officially closed in December, 1981; the Pollock Gallery went into bankruptcy in 1983.
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Series comprises files of materials on artists whose works were exhibited by the Pollock Gallery in the 1960s and 1970s, together with artists who were applying to the Pollock Gallery for representation, and others. The files include photographs of paintings, prints and sculpture; artist biographies; chronologies of exhibitions; exhibition announcements; newspaper reviews, miscellaneous photocopied materials, and related items. Further records of artists associated with the Pollock Gallery will be found in series 4, 6 and 7.
No further accruals are expected
Open. Access to Special Collections is by appointment only. Please contact the reference desk for more information.
Various copyright holders. It is the researcher’s responsibility to obtain permission to publish any part of the fonds.
Published
File contains photos (5) of German-American artist Anni Albers (1899-1994) and of screen prints and other works; with correspondence, and lists of works from the 1960s to 1973. Photo credit: John T. Hill.
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File contains a photo of German-American artist Josef Albers (1888-1976) and photos of exhibitions; with reproductions of embossed prints, reprints of articles, clippings, and other material, from 1965-1972. Photo credit: Robinson Photography (Thornhill, Ont.).
Open
Published
File contains photos of sculptures by American artist John Thomas Campbell (1946- ) from 1973-1979 with correspondence and a résumé. File includes 28 photographic prints and 20 slides (photographs).
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File contains small copy prints of etchings and lithographs and photos of other works of art by American artist Jim Dine (1935- ) advertised by Petersburg Press in London, England and sold through the Pollock Gallery in 1968-1973; with a résumé/chronology, clippings and similar material.
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Published
File contains photos of paintings and prints by American/Canadian artist Harold Elmer Feist (1945- ) from 1970-1976 with a résumé and clippings. File includes 9 photographic prints and 76 slides (photographs).
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File contains photos (6) of British artist David Hockney (1937- ) and small copy prints of etchings and lithographs advertised by Petersburg Press in London, England and sold through the Pollock Gallery in 1968-1974, with a chronology of exhibitions and awards, exhibition
announcements, clippings and other material. Photo credit: Robinson Photography (Thornhill, Ont.).
Arrangement by box-folder: 5-1) photographs and related material; 5-2) textual records.
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File contains photos of constructions (sculptures) by Canadian artist Stephen W. Long (1950- ), some relating to “Recent sculpture,” an exhibition of his work (1975) at the Pollock Gallery; with clippings, photos (4) of sculpture by an unidentified artist, and other material. Photo credits: Jane Corkin; Robinson Photography. File includes 56 photographic prints and 46 slides (photographs).
Arrangement by box-folder: 5-3) "Recent sculpture" records; 5-4) sculpture photos (1971); 5-5) sculpture photos (1971); 5-6) sculpture photos (1974); 5-7) sculpture photos (1975); 5-8) solo exhibitions; 5-9) group exhibitions.
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File contains reproductions of graphic works by Belgian artist Michael Michiels, with correspondence from 1982.
Open
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File contains photos of sculptures by British artist John Mills (1933- ) from 1965-1970 with exhibition announcements, clippings and other material.
Open
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File contains photos (3) of British artist David Palmer from 1980, photos of his paintings, and correspondence. File includes 3 photographic prints and 8 slides (photographs).
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File contains photos of works by Canadian artist Sonia Tarantour Pearl (1938-2013) from 1981, with correspondence from the artist seeking to be represented by the Pollock Gallery; and other material.
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File contains small copy prints of etchings, lithographs and other works by German artist Dieter Roth or Rot (1930-1998) advertised by Petersburg Press in London, England and sold through the Pollock Gallery in 1970-1973.
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File includes a photo of a work by Canadian artist Susan Scott (1949- ) with a chronology and other material, from 1978-1979.
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File contains small copy prints of paintings by Canadian artist Arnold Shives (1943- ) from 1967-1976, and a list of works. File includes 53 photographic prints and 73 slides (photographs).
Arrangement by box-folder: 6-7) textual material and slides; 6-8) photographic prints.
Open
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File contains photos of works of art from 1978-1979 by Canadian artist Lyn Westfall (Tramble), with contact information.
Open
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File contains photos of drawings, prints and silver bracelets by Canadian (Hailsa) artist Lyle Wilson (1955- ) from 1980, with material from the Bent-Box Gallery in Vancouver.
Open
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File contains clippings and other material about BritishCanadian artist Alexander John Wyse (1938- ) from earlier in the 1970s to 1975.
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File contains material from 1964-1981 relating to artists seeking representation by the Pollock Gallery as well as established artists, including correspondence, biographies, photos of works of art, and a poster. Photo credit: Ken Bell Photography (Toronto). File includes 6 photographic prints and 6 slides (photographs). Records are sorted alphabetically by artists’ surnames.
Arrangement by box-folder: 7-1) A-L; 7-2) M
Open
Source of title proper:
Title based on the contents of the series. (File titles are also based on contents.)
Statement of responsibility:
A photo credit is supplied for a studio portrait of Frances Loring.
The Pollock Gallery (active 1960–1981), was a commercial art gallery in Toronto established by art dealer, author, art educator and painter Jack Pollock. First located at 205 Elizabeth St in downtown Toronto in 1960, the gallery initially represented Canadian artists, most notably Norval Morrisseau. In 1966, the gallery showed works by the Hungarian-Canadian painter Julius Marosan. Later, works by British and American and other artists were exhibited, including those by David Hockney, Willem de Kooning, Anni Albers and Dieter Roth.
Within a year, the gallery relocated to 201 Elizabeth St (1961–1963), then 599 Markham St (1963–1971, with another site at 604A King St West 1966–1968), 356 Dundas St West (1972–1975, with another site at the Toronto Dominion Centre 1972–1973), and lastly 122 Scollard St in the Yorkville area of Toronto (1975–1982, with another site, 209 Adelaide St East 1980–1983). During its years of activity, the gallery employed Brian A. Marshall Schieder, Philip Ottenbrite (assistant director), Eva Quan, Frank Costin, Laurie Payne (graphic director), Helen Boyd, Renya Onasick (advertising and publicity), Lawrence Hurst (gallery administrator), Stephen Long (librarian) and others. Within months after Jack Pollock became chronically ill, the main gallery officially closed in December, 1981; the Pollock Gallery went into bankruptcy in 1983.
Published
Series comprises photographs of American-Canadian artist Frances Loring (1887–1968) and some of her sculptures, together with photos of sculptures by her companion, American-Canadian artist Florence Wyle (1881–1968), taken in Toronto and other places in Ontario, between 1916 and (probably) the 1950s. The Pollock Gallery held Loring & Wyle exhibitions in 1966 and 1969.
No further accruals are expected
Related records:
Photographs of Loring and Wyle and their sculptures will also be found in the Frances Loring and Florence Wyle fonds (SC029) and in the Photographs of Canadian Artists collection (SC024), including a photo of Florence Wyle with Jack Pollock in 1966.
Open. Access to Special Collections is by appointment only. Please contact the reference desk for more information.
Various copyright holders. It is the researcher’s responsibility to obtain permission to publish any part of the fonds.
Published
File contains studio portraits (3) of Frances Loring, one of which is dated 1916, and an undated photo of the artist beside a relief sculpture, possibly from the 1950s. Photo credit: Ashley & Crippen (Toronto).
Open
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File contains undated large format photos of relief and other sculptures, including some working models, most of them labelled with the sculptor's name, the title of the work and its location or intended location.
Open
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File contains an undated photo of Frances Loring in her studio and undated photos of sculptures on large format mounts.
Open
Source of title proper:
Title based on the contents of the series. (File titles are taken from container labels.)
Statement of responsibility:
Photo credits are supplied for items in the file of photographs.
The Pollock Gallery (active 1960–1981), was a commercial art gallery in Toronto established by art dealer, author, art educator and painter Jack Pollock. First located at 205 Elizabeth St in downtown Toronto in 1960, the gallery initially represented Canadian artists, most notably Norval Morrisseau. In 1966, the gallery showed works by the Hungarian-Canadian painter Julius Marosan. Later, works by British and American and other artists were exhibited, including those by David Hockney, Willem de Kooning, Anni Albers and Dieter Roth.
Within a year, the gallery relocated to 201 Elizabeth St (1961–1963), then 599 Markham St (1963–1971, with another site at 604A King St West 1966–1968), 356 Dundas St West (1972–1975, with another site at the Toronto Dominion Centre 1972–1973), and lastly 122 Scollard St in the Yorkville area of Toronto (1975–1982, with another site, 209 Adelaide St East 1980–1983). During its years of activity, the gallery employed Brian A. Marshall Schieder, Philip Ottenbrite (assistant director), Eva Quan, Frank Costin, Laurie Payne (graphic director), Helen Boyd, Renya Onasick (advertising and publicity), Lawrence Hurst (gallery administrator), Stephen Long (librarian) and others. Within months after Jack Pollock became chronically ill, the main gallery officially closed in December, 1981; the Pollock Gallery went into bankruptcy in 1983.
Published
Series comprises photos of Jack Pollock while he was director of the Pollock Gallery, miscellaneous personal and professional material, and correspondence.
No further accruals are expected
Publications by Jack Pollock, including The Art of Norval Morrisseau, We all are all, Dear M, and his exhibition catalogues are in the collection of the library of the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Open. Access to Special Collections is by appointment only. Please contact the reference desk for more information.
Various copyright holders. It is the researcher’s responsibility to obtain permission to publish any part of the fonds.
Published
File contains photographs of Jack Pollock in the Pollock Gallery, including one with clients in 1961. Photo credits: Herb Nott; The Citizen (Ottawa).
Open
Published
File contains an issue of Tawow (4:4, 1974) inscribed to Jack Pollock by Norval Morrisseau; undated photos of drawings; an unsigned watercolour; clippings; information about a rental property in France; and other material.
Open
Published
File contains legal correspondence and other material relating to a criminal charge brought against Jack Pollock for theft of paintings by Norval Morrisseau in 1973, and his subsequent acquittal.
Open
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File contains personal correspondence to Jack Pollock, including congratulations on the publication of The art of Norval Morrisseau.
Open
Jean-Baptiste Norman Henry Morrisseau (1931–2007), known primarily as Norval Morrisseau, was a Canadian Anishinaabe painter and printmaker who signed his work with his Ojibwa name “Copper Thunderbird.” A self-taught artist, he was born at Sand Point reserve near Beardmore, Ont. At the age of six, he was sent to a Roman Catholic residential school for two years, after which he attended a local community school. In 1957, he married Harriet Kakegamic (1935–1995) with whom he had several children. They lived in the Red Lake area and elsewhere in northwestern Ontario. In later years, the artist stayed in Nanaimo, B.C.
In a manner known as the Woodland Style he is known for initiating, Norval Morrisseau painted in thick black outlines and bright colours, basing his images on Anishinaabe cultural sources and Christian symbols. Several of his earliest solo exhibitions were held at the Pollock Gallery, with which he was associated until the gallery closed in 1981. In 1978, Norval Morrisseau was made a member of the Order of Canada. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts and the Professional National Indian Artists Incorporation (“Indian Group of Seven”). He retired from painting in 2002.
Norval Morrisseau died in Toronto in 2007. His works are in the collections of the Art Gallery of Ontario, the National Gallery of Canada, the Art Gallery of Hamilton (Ont.), the McMichael Canadian Collection and other public art museums in Canada.
The Pollock Gallery (active 1960–1981), was a commercial art gallery in Toronto established by art dealer, author, art educator and painter Jack Pollock. First located at 205 Elizabeth St in downtown Toronto in 1960, the gallery initially represented Canadian artists, most notably Norval Morrisseau. In 1966, the gallery showed works by the Hungarian-Canadian painter Julius Marosan. Later, works by British and American and other artists were exhibited, including those by David Hockney, Willem de Kooning, Anni Albers and Dieter Roth.
Within a year, the gallery relocated to 201 Elizabeth St (1961–1963), then 599 Markham St (1963–1971, with another site at 604A King St West 1966–1968), 356 Dundas St West (1972–1975, with another site at the Toronto Dominion Centre 1972–1973), and lastly 122 Scollard St in the Yorkville area of Toronto (1975–1982, with another site, 209 Adelaide St East 1980–1983). During its years of activity, the gallery employed Brian A. Marshall Schieder, Philip Ottenbrite (assistant director), Eva Quan, Frank Costin, Laurie Payne (graphic director), Helen Boyd, Renya Onasick (advertising and publicity), Lawrence Hurst (gallery administrator), Stephen Long (librarian) and others. Within months after Jack Pollock became chronically ill, the main gallery officially closed in December, 1981; the Pollock Gallery went into bankruptcy in 1983.
Published
Series comprises an essay, drawings, and prints by Norval Morrisseau; correspondence, interview transcripts, exhibition records and clippings; and other material.
Records of Norval Morrisseau are held by the National Gallery of Canada Library and Archives (Ottawa) in its Paul and Mary Okanski fonds; and by Glenbow Archives (Calgary, Alta.) in its Norval Morrisseau fonds.
Publications by Norval Morrisseau, including Legends of my people, the great Ojibway (Toronto : McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 1965) are in the collection of the AGO library.
Access to certain files in this series is restricted for a period of 50 years from the date of the document. See file descriptions for details.
Published
File contains notes on his Ojibwa name and similar material by Norval Morrisseau; with material by others, including an academic essay and other papers on the artist and Indigenous Canadian art.
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File contains correspondence to and from Norval Morrisseau and Jack Pollock, exhibitors, clients of the Pollock Gallery and others between 1962 and 1981; with related material. File includes a copy of a document in which the artist gives his birth date as 14 March 1932. Records are sorted chronologically.
Arrangement by box-folder: 7-8) 1962
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File contains clippings (some photocopied) of reviews of exhibitions and other articles. Records are sorted chronologically.
Arrangement by box-folder: 9-1) 1962
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File contains a financial statement for the artist (1963); lists of paintings with medium, dimensions and other information; cancelled cheques payable to Norval Morrisseau; and related material.
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File contains copies of an unsigned contract between Norval Morrisseau and Jack Pollock for the Pollock Gallery to represent the artist (Sept./Oct., 1962) and a signed contract dated 2 April 1963.
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Item is a typewritten copy of an essay by Norval Morrisseau in the 1960s entitled "Beliefs & legends of the great Ojibwa nation."
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Published
File contains stylized drawings of animal figures.
A note by Jack Pollock in folder 9-10 implies a link between these drawings and Allistair Groshart.
Open
Published
File contains screen prints, possibly from the 1960s, of which 2 (based on the painting Moose dream legend, in the permanent collection of the AGO) were made as a Christmas card for the Procter and Gamble Company of Canada.
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File contains "A personal note," by Jack Pollock about his association with Norval Morrisseau; other writings (some in fragments) about the artist, some of which were preliminary to writing The art of Norval Morrisseau; and other material.
Arrangement by box-folder: 9-9) "A personal note";9-10) handwritten notes; 9-11) other notes.
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File contains an undated copy of an interview transcript entitled "From high places" with Norval Morrisseau, Jack Pollock and Selwyn Dewdney; transcripts of interviews between Norval Morrisseau and Jack Pollock dated 1975, 1977 and 1978; and similar material.
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Published
File contains exhibition announcements, biographies, chronologies, press releases, clippings of notices and reviews, and related material.
Arrangement by box-folder: 9-12) interviews to 1975; 9-13) 1977, 1978 interviews.
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File contains program information from conferences, a list of Morrisseau works in the Glenbow Foundation Art collection, memos, and other material.
Arrangement by box-folder: 10-1) exhibition notices; 10-2) press releases and other material; 10-3) clippings.
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File contains a receipt for paintings at an exhibition at Hart House in the University of Toronto dated 1965 ,with a list of purchasers of exhibited works; and a list of paintings and other works shown at an exhibition at the Pollock Gallery in 1974.
Access is restricted. Please see series level description for details.
Published
File contains research papers (4) by John Anson Warner of the Department of Sociology at the University of Regina (Sask.) on Canadian Indigenous people and their art.
Open
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File contains gallery texts or tombstones (documents) for an exhibition of paintings by Norval Morrisseau, probably in 1976; with similar material.
Arrangement by box-folder: 10-5) "Diversity and challenge amongst contemporary native groups in Canada: an analysis and interpretation" (1976); 10-6) "The arts of the Canadian plains Cree" (1977?); 10-7) "Contemporary Canadian Indian art: newly emerging art styles" (1978?); 10-8) "Contemporary Indian painting in Canada: artistic & social parameters" (1980).
Open
Photo credits are supplied in some files of the series.
Series includes 135 photographic prints, 21 slides (photographs), 6 negatives (photographic) and 18 transparencies.
The Pollock Gallery (active 1960–1981), was a commercial art gallery in Toronto established by art dealer, author, art educator and painter Jack Pollock. First located at 205 Elizabeth St in downtown Toronto in 1960, the gallery initially represented Canadian artists, most notably Norval Morrisseau. In 1966, the gallery showed works by the Hungarian-Canadian painter Julius Marosan. Later, works by British and American and other artists were exhibited, including those by David Hockney, Willem de Kooning, Anni Albers and Dieter Roth.
Within a year, the gallery relocated to 201 Elizabeth St (1961–1963), then 599 Markham St (1963–1971, with another site at 604A King St West 1966–1968), 356 Dundas St West (1972–1975, with another site at the Toronto Dominion Centre 1972–1973), and lastly 122 Scollard St in the Yorkville area of Toronto (1975–1982, with another site, 209 Adelaide St East 1980–1983). During its years of activity, the gallery employed Brian A. Marshall Schieder, Philip Ottenbrite (assistant director), Eva Quan, Frank Costin, Laurie Payne (graphic director), Helen Boyd, Renya Onasick (advertising and publicity), Lawrence Hurst (gallery administrator), Stephen Long (librarian) and others. Within months after Jack Pollock became chronically ill, the main gallery officially closed in December, 1981; the Pollock Gallery went into bankruptcy in 1983.
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Series comprises photographs of Norval Morrisseau and others including Jack Pollock, from the 1960s and 1970s; photos of his prints and paintings; and other photos. Further photographs of the artist will be found in series 8.
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File contains an undated early photo of Norval Morrisseau; photos of the artist with Jack Pollock and others (1962); a photo of Jack Pollock with Pauline McGibbon at an exhibition in Stratford, Ont. (1979); photos of works by Indigenous Canadian artist Alex Janvier (1935-); a photo of an Order of Canada member
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File contains slides (photographs), some dated 1977, of paintings or prints.
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File contains photos of paintings or prints taken chiefly on a lawn, probably in 1962.
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File contains undated photos of prints taken at the Pollock Gallery, some including Jack Pollock. Photo credit: Lois Steen.
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File contains an undated photo of Norval Morrisseau, with copy prints of his paintings and prints, some with Pollock Gallery inscriptions, stamps or labels on verso.
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File contains undated copy prints of drawings of stylized animals and human figures.
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File contains undated transparencies in plastic envelopes of paintings from 1964-1974, possibly prepared for an exhibition at the Pollock Gallery in 1976. Labels on some envelopes give the title, year, dimensions and medium of the paintings, along with the collection from which they were lent.
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File contains undated copy prints of a six-panel work Man changing into thunderbird. The photos are numbered; no. 4 was not found in the file. Photo credit: T.E. Moore.
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File contains undated photos of The Family, a painting from ca. 1979.
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Photo credits are supplied in one file of the series.
Series includes 13 photographic prints and 197 slides (photographs).
The Pollock Gallery (active 1960–1981), was a commercial art gallery in Toronto established by art dealer, author, art educator and painter Jack Pollock. First located at 205 Elizabeth St in downtown Toronto in 1960, the gallery initially represented Canadian artists, most notably Norval Morrisseau. In 1966, the gallery showed works by the Hungarian-Canadian painter Julius Marosan. Later, works by British and American and other artists were exhibited, including those by David Hockney, Willem de Kooning, Anni Albers and Dieter Roth.
Within a year, the gallery relocated to 201 Elizabeth St (1961–1963), then 599 Markham St (1963–1971, with another site at 604A King St West 1966–1968), 356 Dundas St West (1972–1975, with another site at the Toronto Dominion Centre 1972–1973), and lastly 122 Scollard St in the Yorkville area of Toronto (1975–1982, with another site, 209 Adelaide St East 1980–1983). During its years of activity, the gallery employed Brian A. Marshall Schieder, Philip Ottenbrite (assistant director), Eva Quan, Frank Costin, Laurie Payne (graphic director), Helen Boyd, Renya Onasick (advertising and publicity), Lawrence Hurst (gallery administrator), Stephen Long (librarian) and others. Within months after Jack Pollock became chronically ill, the main gallery officially closed in December, 1981; the Pollock Gallery went into bankruptcy in 1983.
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Series comprises records relating to the publication of the illustrated book The art of Norval Morrisseau (Toronto ; New York : Methuen, 1979) by Lister Sinclair and Jack Pollock, including publishing and other contracts, bank and financial records, correspondence, a manuscript,
photographs of the artist and his works, and other material.
The National Archives of Canada holds records relating to The art of Norval Morrisseau in its Lister Shedden Sinclair fonds (MG31-D44).
Access to certain files in this series is restricted for a period of 50 years from the date of the document. See file descriptions for details.
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File contains copies of memoranda of agreement between Jack Pollock and Lister Sinclair as authors of the book and an authorization of Patricia E. Stewart as Jack Pollock's agent for the publication.
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File contains lists from 1977 of paintings to be reproduced for inclusion as illustrations in the book.
Access is restricted. Please see series level description for details.
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File contains undated handwritten and typewritten notes for a first draft of the section of the book written by Jack Pollock. Portions of the manuscript were attached by adhesive tape that has deteriorated; materials in this file must be handled with care pending conservation.
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File contains notes by Jack Pollock subsequently included in the book, with notes by the artist.
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File contains an undated proofreading copy of the book from the publisher, with handwritten comments.
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File contains correspondence on legal and financial matters relating to the publication of the book, with a royalty statement from the publisher. Correspondents include Methuen Publications, Jack Pollock's agent Patricia Stewart, her lawyer L. Anne Welwood, and others.
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File contains photographic prints (contact sheets) chiefly of Norval Morrisseau, with Jack Pollock, Lister Sinclair and others, dated 1978; and a numbered series of slides (of which no 7, 12, 132 and 135 were not found in the file) chiefly of the artist in a living-room setting. Photo credit: Ron & Ron Design Consultants (Toronto). File includes 9 photographic prints and 198 slides (photographs).
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File contains photos, possibly from 1978, of paintings marked "reference photo only
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File contains a notebook recording purchasers of the book, with order forms and other material.
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File contains 2 unsigned copies of an agreement between authors Jack Pollock and Lister Sinclair and the publisher, Methuen Publications; with a memo of a meeting on photographing paintings; author's information sheets for Jack Pollock; an authorization by Norval Morrisseau for the reproduction of his works; and related material.
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File contains a royalty statement and statements of account between Methuen Publications and the Pollock Gallery relating to the publication of the book.
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File contains a deposit book for a business account identified as "The art of Norval Morrisseau in trust" held at a Toronto branch of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce showing transactions between January and October of 1979; with a bankbook for the account, and interleaved material.
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