Chapel Doors

1967

Chapel Doors

Acrylic on Masonite

32” x 24”

  • Year1967
  • MediumAcrylic on Masonite
  • Dimensions32” x 24”
  • OrientationPortrait
Rural Life

Our human heritage is just as threatened as our natural heritage. This is sad, because we are losing the reminders of our roots and a time when craftsmanship and care were more important than today. I am fortunate to live in an area where much of the landscape is as it has been for at least the last century. Although I usually choose nature as the subjects of my paintings, I also want to record the remnants of our history.

Bethel Chapel has the economy and simplicity of the pioneer spirit, but the finish of the molding and the care in the detail show the respect for quality of work found in our forefathers. The Chapel has no air conditioning or central heating, and the present generation has no reason to use it. But it is kept up by a benefactor who is honouring the memory of an ancestor resting in the Chapel cemetery.




"Dear Friends of the Bethel memorial Chapel and Cemetery:It was wonderful to hear about the 150th year celebration. As you may know, I lived down the road at 2400 Britannia Road for about 20 years (1965-1985). I had a painting of Bethel Chapel (called Chapel Doors) in the first one man show of my career in 1967. This show, at the Alice Peck Gallery, was my Centennial project, paying homage to Halton County heritage both human and natural - things that were present in 1867 and had made it through to 1967. Sadly, almost all of the human heritage that I painted was buldozed down within the next 10 years. Bethel Chapel was a glorious exception. As you also may know, the painting was made into prints by my publisher, Mill Pond Press but they have long ago been sold out. I am including an image of it here just for interest's sake. Best of luck with your celebration!"
Sept. 2003

Edition Details

Print Notes

25 x 18.5

Related

Robert Bateman

Canadian naturalist and painter

Robert Bateman

Robert Bateman (born 1930) is an iconic Canadian wildlife painter and conservationist. Globally celebrated for his photorealistic and hig...

Exhibitions

Centennial Show 1967

1967

Centennial Show 1967

Alice Peck Gallery

Essays

Centennial Year

2012

Centennial Year

Summary