Alexander Henderson — Art and Nature
Discover the first major exhibition devoted to the photographer Alexander Henderson (1831-1913). Captivated by the majesty of territory’s wilderness, Henderson would become one of the country’s leading landscape photographers.
Through 250 original prints, reproductions of photographs, and archival documents, embark on the photographer’s amazing journey. Explore the great outdoors and urban scenes, from his first excursions around Montreal and the regions of Quebec, including the Outaouais, the Gaspésie, the North Shore, the majestic Saguenay Fjord and all the way to Western Canada.
Alexander Henderson, who was born in Scotland, arrived in Montreal in 1855. Though he was operating in the same milieu as fellow photographers Notman and Livernois, the romanticism and aesthetic power of his work set him apart. The privileges he enjoyed and the prejudices he nurtured as a British incomer to Canadian society of the time would shape his observation of both places and people. The exhibition invites a reflection on the colonial vision we can notice in his work.
The Museum’s collection of photographs by Alexander Henderson, the largest in existence, consists of close to two thousand period prints, complemented by the family archives. It is especially precious since virtually all the photographer’s glass negatives – the raw material of his practice – were destroyed. It is believed that the surviving prints represent only a fraction of his total output.
This project was made possible in part through Library and Archives Canada’s Documentary Heritage Communities Program.
Discover the exhibition through the eyes of visitors! Comments given on June 7, 2022. Music: Jonathan Cayer.
Walk through the exhibition galleries.
Guided Tour | Free
Every day
Participatory Tour
Our cultural mediators invite you to discover the exhibition during daily 20-minute guided tours. Please ask our team at the admission desk or the cultural mediators for more information, at your arrival at the Museum.
Free, limit of 15 participants per capsule.
This offer is subject to changes, depending on staff availability.
Special Evening
April 10 | 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
MONTREAL IN MOTION | CVM X MUSEUM
Cégep du Vieux-Montréal students takeover the Museum for an evening to celebrate Montreal! On the program: Interactive exploration of the exhibitions | Urban art and Poetry | Music | Prizes to win!
Attend
Contest
From January 30 to February 20, 2023
Photographing Montreal... a la Henderson
Photo fans, get ou your camera! Capture Montreal’s urban winter landscapes and you could see your photo exhibited at the museum alongside these historic images. A Canon camera valued at $1,700 and other prizes worth over $1,000 are yours to win!
See winners
BLOG | Behind-the-Scenes Access
Conservation
COLORIMETRY AND PREVENTIVE CONSERVATION
The exhibition includes a number of photographic prints on salted paper, susceptible to discolouration from light. Discover why the Museum team carries out colorimetric tests as a preventive conservation practice.
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BLOG | Behind-the-Scenes Access
Collections
CLOUDS AND ATMOSPHERIC EFFECTS
Before the 1880s, technical constraints prevented photographers from capturing the details of sky and landscape at the same time. Learn more about his technique to create cloudy skies!
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BLOG | Behind-the-Scenes Access
Collections
ALEXANDER HENDERSON, LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHER
Henderson documented four decades of the nineteenth century, using light boldly to evoke depth and mood, creating photographs that were no mere factual records but rather moving documents of the land. Discover his journey and his photographic style.
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Boutique
Alexander Henderson Merch
Relive the Henderson journey by discovering the various articles in the Museum Boutique. Created in limited edition on the occasion of the exhibition, in collaboration with Hazan edition, C’est Beau, Aura and Cie, Akua nature, the products have been designed in a responsible, qualitative, ethical and sustainable spirit.
Discover
Partner
Unis TV
Chroniques de la vie ordinaire
A photo booth collects Montrealers’ secrets like a modern-day confessional. This booth transforms into a collective diary, reflecting the plural realities that coexist in our city’s neighbourhoods. At times emotional, inspiring and even hilarious, these ordinary people’s stories create a touching snapshot of the inner lives of our neighbours, friends and family members.
On Unis TV
Major Partner
Partners
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