An extraordinary donation of over 9,000 photographs

The McCord Museum has received an exceptional gift of over 9,000 photographs dating from the mid-19th to the late 20th century created by Quebec photography studios from across the province. The donation from Mr. Jean-Luc Allard has been granted ‘‘cultural property’’ status by the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board.

Composed of a wide variety of photographs, this extensive collection eloquently illustrates the production of Quebec photography studios and, at the same time, helps situate and illuminate the professional practice of photography in Quebec from the mid-19th to the late 20th century. The 1,030 photographers from around the province represented in this collection of images augment the list of amateur and professional artists active in the province, many of whom are lesser known to the general public.

‘‘The Allard collection is an invaluable resource for expanding our knowledge of the history of photography in Quebec. The names and addresses of the various studios provide information about the profession of photographer, notably the place of women in this field. Jean-Luc Allard and his wife Lucie Surprenant have made an extremely generous gift and we are very appreciative’’ notes Hélène Samson, Curator, Photography.