Edwin Holgate, born in Allandale, Ontario, emerged as a pivotal figure in Canadian art. His early years took him to Jamaica, where his father worked as an engineer, but he returned to Toronto at age five for schooling. Holgate’s artistic journey truly began in Montreal under the mentorship of William Brymner at the Art Association of Montreal, a connection he shared with the notable A.Y. Jackson.

In 1920, Holgate became integral to the Beaver Hall Hill Group, a collective of artists who shared studios in Montreal. His studies extended to Paris, interrupted by World War I when he served in the army. Post-war, Holgate returned to Paris with his bride, resuming his art education until their 1922 return to Montreal. Here, he immersed himself in the city's vibrant cultural scene, particularly noted for his series of nudes set in northern landscapes.

Holgate's influence grew as he began teaching wood engraving at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in 1928 and played a foundational role in the Canadian Society of Graphic Artists in 1925. His graphic art skills earned him widespread acclaim. By 1930, Holgate joined the Group of Seven, solidifying his reputation through figure paintings and stunning landscapes of the West Coast and Laurentians.

Renowned for his portraits and murals, Holgate's most famous work includes the Totem Pole Room designs at Ottawa's Chateau Laurier Hotel. His career later saw him teaching at the Art Association of Montreal, where he shared his expertise in book illustration and wood engraving. Holgate’s dedication to graphics, drawing, and printmaking shone through in the distinctive strong lines and designs that characterized his paintings.

Discover more about Edwin Holgate, a master of Canadian art, whose legacy continues to inspire. You can view his works at institutions such as the National Gallery of Canada, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the McCord Museum.