Irises, n.d. Watercolour on paper by Allan Whitcomb Edwards (1915-1991)

Irises, n.d. Watercolour on paper by Allan Whitcomb Edwards (1915-1991)

Name/Title

Irises

Entry/Object ID

2018.07.01

Description

Painting This image is a floral study depicting two delicate flowering blue Iris stems with a separate sprouting bulb to the right. The artist's emphasis is on accurately observed and recorded detail.

Artwork Details

Medium

Watercolour on paper

Context

Iris is a genus of about 300 species of plants in the family Iridaceae, including some of the world’s most popular and varied garden flowers. Found in the north temperate zone, as well as the Mediterranean and central Asian areas, irises became linked to the French monarchy during the Middle Ages, eventually being recognized as their national symbol, the fleur-de-lis. A popular flower in many countries, the meaning of the iris differs depending on where you are. Japanese people view the iris as a symbol of strength, clarity, and kindness, while Egyptians view the iris as a symbol of protection and power. The flower color also plays a role in the meaning - blue irises are seen as symbols of faith and hope.

Made/Created

Artist Information

Artist

Allan Whitcomb Edwards (1915-1991)

Role

Painter

Date made

n.d.

Time Period

20th Century

Notes

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY Allan Whitcomb Edwards was a Canadian artist, architectural illustrator, designer, educator and mentor born in Edmonton, Alberta. Edwards had his first training in art at the age of fourteen under the artist Archibald Fairbairn (1883-1979) in Victoria. He then became a pupil at the John Russell School of Fine Art in Toronto, Ontario and at the Art Institute, Chicago. At the age of 16 he received an award for the most outstanding portrait at the Canadian National Exhibition. He exhibited his work with the Michigan Artists, Detroit, and was an instructor at the Meinzinger Foundation in Detroit for two years. This led to fashion illustration work for Saks Fifth Avenue, Marshall Fields, J.L. Hudson's Department Store, Vogue magazine, and the Detroit News and Vancouver Sun newspapers. In 1940 Edwards came back to Canada to serve in the Armed Forces and, later served in the U.S. Army until 1946. He worked with famed architect Burton C. Schutt in California and with Florence Bates Hayward, the celebrated interior designer. Hilton Hotels then asked him to work on their projects in Puerto Rico and Hawaii. Edwards returned to Canada in 1961, establishing an art school, gallery, craft shop and design studio in Victoria, BC. teaching art to Pierre Berton, Sid Barron and Bill Reid among many. He then opened a design office in Vancouver and subsequently went to Ottawa to do the interiors of the Skyline Hotel. From there he went to Toronto to open a design business plus a textile mill which turned out hand-woven fabrics for his many projects. In 1972 he returned to the West Coast and opened a design studio in West Vancouver. He then went to London where he designed the interiors for the Skyline Hotel at Heathrow and the Park Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge. Throughout his career, Edwards had continued to paint and exhibit throughout the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean. After arriving in B.C. he exhibited with the Island Arts and Crafts Society. He also taught at the Canadian Institute of Associated Arts in Vancouver, and also gave private instruction in art. He exhibited with the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts (1939 and 1942), and the Vancouver Art Gallery annual B.C. Artist exhibition in 1962. He also did society painting in Ottawa, Toronto, and Chicago. Edwards achieved recognition for his watercolours and won many awards. A past President of the Federation of Canadian Artists, his influence and mentorship inspired many artists.

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Signature

Location

Signed lower left: AW Edwards

Dimensions

Dimension Description

Visible image

Height

47 cm

Width

31.8 cm

Acquisition

Acquisition Method

Purchase

Date

2018

Notes

From the collection of Eunice Lowe. Stephen Lowe Charity Auction Lot #16