Temporary exhibition

November 4, 2016 — March 26, 2017

  • Notman, A Visionary Photographer

Notman, A Visionary Photographer

This exhibition offers a new perspective on the career of William Notman (1826–1891), who became the first Canadian photographer with an international reputation during the nineteenth-century. It demonstrates how Notman owed his success to the modernity of his approach to photography – an approach founded on principles of communication and innovation.

  • Wm. McFarlane Notman, Pins Douglas // Douglas fir trees, Vancouver, 1887. View-1803 ©Musée McCord Museum
  • Wm. Notman & Son, La culbute // The Bounce, Montreal Snowshoe Club, 1886. VIEW-2425 ©Musée McCord Museum
  • Wm. Notman, Pont Victoria // Victoria Bridge, Montréal, 1873. I-84736 ©Musée McCord Museum
  • Wm. Notman, Red Cap Snowshoe Club, Halifax, 1888. N-0000.77 ©Musée McCord Museum
  • Wm. Notman, Masters Charles C. & Fred H. Brydges, Montréal, 1862. I-4890 ©Musée McCord Museum

Organized thematically, the exhibition features some 300 photographs and objects drawn primarily from the McCord Museum’s collection. While focusing on vintage prints, displays are supplemented by multimedia installations and interactive devices that provide dynamic contextual information and help clarify nineteenth-century ideas of modernity for a contemporary audience.

Thank you to our donors: Standard Life – Notman Fund and The Molson Foundation.

Hélène Samson, Curator, Photography, and of the exhibition Notman: A Visionary Photographer, takes us through the exhibition.

Not to be missed!

What people are saying about it

« A Sensational Historic Exhibit » John Oseid, Forbes
« You haven't seen Canada till you've seen it through the lens of William Notman! » Montreal Gazette
« A Fascinating Exhibit » Peter Kerr, The Montrealer
This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada
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