First Printing, May 1967 | Signed February 1, 1970 | With Inscribed Provenance Note & Premier's Letter
A rare signed example of the original 1967 catalogue of the McMichael Conservation Collection of Art — bearing a genuine A.Y. Jackson signature in blue ink directly beneath the colour reproduction of his work, with a contemporaneous handwritten provenance note inscribed in the catalogue documenting the signing in full detail.
The provenance note, written directly in the catalogue by the original owner, reads:
"Bonnycastle / February 1st 1970 / signed by A.Y. Jackson on that date / under 'Grey Day Laurentians' A.Y. Jackson section / and under 'First Snow, Algoma'"
Alexander Young Jackson (1882–1974) was a founding member of the Group of Seven and one of the most significant figures in the history of Canadian art. He served as artist-in-residence at the McMichael Conservation Collection in his later years and is buried on the grounds at Kleinburg — making this catalogue a particularly fitting vehicle for his signature. By February 1970, Jackson was 87 years old; his late-life signatures are sought by Canadian art and book collectors alike.
This is the first and only catalogue produced for the collection at its founding, documenting 287 works by Tom Thomson, A.Y. Jackson, Lawren Harris, J.E.H. MacDonald, Frederick Varley, Arthur Lismer, Frank Johnston, Franklin Carmichael, and Emily Carr. Introduction by Paul Duval. Published by R. G. McLean Limited, Toronto, printed in the centennial year of Confederation.
Also included: The original Premier's letter from John P. Robarts, Prime Minister and President of the Council, Province of Ontario, dated May 8, 1967 — written to mark the formal opening of the collection — loose within the catalogue. Printed signature.
Book: Very Good. Light shelf and edge wear to covers. Binding tight. Pages clean and bright throughout.
Signature: A.Y. Jackson in blue ink, signed directly beneath the colour plate of his work within the catalogue — clear and fully legible.
Provenance note: Handwritten inscription directly in the catalogue: "Bonnycastle / February 1st 1970 / signed by A.Y. Jackson on that date / under 'Grey Day Laurentians' A.Y. Jackson section / and under 'First Snow, Algoma'." A contemporaneous record of the signing event in the hand of the original owner.
Also included: Premier John P. Robarts letter on Ontario government letterhead, dated May 8, 1967, loose within. Printed signature.
Carefully packaged and shipped via Canada Post Expedited Parcel (tracked). Free shipping within Canada on orders over C$75. International buyers welcome — eBay International Shipping available.
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