VHS Field-Trip "Arthur Erickson: a Refuge" - Tour #2

If the weather permits, we should meet the Museum’s curator, Hilary Letwin, in the garden. This setting will provide a unique opportunity to discuss the creation of the house. The museum, founded in 1994, is located within the historic Gertrude Lawson house. Gertrude Lawson, a local teacher, acquired the land at 17th Street and Esquimalt Avenue in 1929. Her house, completed in 1939, reflects architectural influences from her travels to Scotland. Remarkably, she was among the first women in British Columbia to hold a mortgage in her own name.

After considering the museum, we will also visit the current exhibition, "Arthur Erickson: A Refuge.". From May 15 to July 20, 2024, the exhibit features photographs taken by Selwyn Pullan, capturing the architect Arthur Erickson in his home and garden. Erickson lived in the Point Grey house from 1957 to 1992. He once described it as a “kind of decompression chamber” where he found solace. The garden, which he planted and allowed to evolve naturally, became a site for contemplation. The exhibit humanizes Erickson, emphasizing his connection to nature and art. It also highlights the impact of his architectural designs, including Simon Fraser University and Robson Square.

While the exhibit is modest, the museum's mandate is vast. One of the Museum's goals is to celebrate innovative West Coast Modernism as experienced in the West Vancouver region. "As BC Binning proved with the 'first modern home in Western Canada' on Mathers Avenue in 1941, West Vancouver was suddenly an accessible and affordable place for architects and creative to design daring homes, nestled in the dramatic landscape between mountain and the sea."

Returning to the VHS tour, after Hilary finishes talking in the Museum, we will adjourn to the garden for a brief talk with West Vancouver Archivist Reto Tschan. The West Vancouver Archives, located in the basement of the Museum, collects and preserves records that tell the story of West Vancouver. The goal is to document the lives and experiences of West Vancouver's past.

The Erickson Foundation has been instrumental in fundraising efforts to renovate the Erickson House and maintain its important garden. Clinton Cuddington, a Board member of the Erickson Foundation, may join us for a walk-through of the exhibition.

After either talk, we will have access to the exhibit for another look.

The field trip is free for VHS members.

NOTE:
There are two tours available. The first tour is at 9:15am.

Host or Publisher Vancouver Historical Society