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May 12, 2005 Press Release

Canada Post to spotlight Homer Ransford Watson

Stamps show artist's power, love of nature and country

Ottawa - Homer Ransford Watson (1855-1936) is that rare being whose art speaks to the ages. Sadly, this great artist's work, well-known in his day, has gone from recognition to oblivion, except for the few, true aficionados of early Canadian art. On May 27, Canada Post will end Homer Watson's absence from public view by issuing two stamps featuring works from this prominent Canadian artist. A domestic-rate stamp will feature Down in the Laurentides and The Flood Gate will grace the U.S.-rate stamp.

These stamps, the latest in the Canada Post Masterpieces of Canadian Art series, will recognize the 150th anniversary of Watson's birth, the 125th anniversary of the National Gallery of Canada and the 125th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. Elected a member of the Academy in 1882, he later served as its President from 1918 to 1922.

Watson's paintings reflect in mood, texture, colour and composition, a deep knowledge of nature and its impact on man and beast. Contemporaries called him the "Canadian Constable" because his style of painting was so reminiscent of British artist John Constable.

Watson was born in, and died in, Doon (near Kitchener), Ontario. It was obvious from an early age that this son of the earth was more interested in art than farming. Mostly self-taught, Watson had little formal training. It is when he moved to Toronto, at the age of 19, that he began making contacts with a number of artists.
It did not take long for his work and his preoccupation with the dramatic wildness of nature to attract the attention of prominent people. He counted among his patrons Oscar Wilde, the Marquis of Lorne (then Governor General of Canada) and Queen Victoria.

In 1880, the Marquis of Lorne opened the first exhibition by the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts and, at the same time, the National Gallery of Canada. Over the years, the Gallery has expanded its collection with thousands of acquisitions and donations.

The stamps are the work of designer Hélčne L'Heureux (whose feisty rooster stamp trumpeted in the Year of the Rooster that began on February 9, 2005). The domestic-rate (50-cent) stamp will be available in panes of 16. The 85-cent stamp will only be available as part of the souvenir sheet of both stamps. The 50-cent stamp measures 49 mm x 32 mm, while the 85-cent stamp measures 150 mm x 86 mm.
Lowe-Martin printed 3 million of the domestic-rate stamps, and 200,000 souvenir sheets, using 8-colour lithography, and P.V.A. gum, on Tullis Russell Coatings paper. The stamps are general tagged on all four sides. The Official First Day Covers will read KITCHENER, ONTARIO

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'Down in the Laurentides'
1882

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On Friday May 27th, 2005 Canada Post remembered the 150th anniversary of the birth of Homer Watson by issuing two stamps in his honour. "The Floodgate" (not shown) was selected for the American stamp and the Canadian stamp featured "Down in the Laurentides".

The National Gallery of Canada, also being honoured for their 125th Anniversary, gave Canada Post permission to use these two major works currently in the galleries permanent collection.

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Canada Post had a launch at Homer Watson House & Gallery, on the afternoon of Friday May 27th, at which Dan William the great-grandson of Homer Watson spoke on behalf of his father Roy Williams.

Dan recited his fathers' speech for the group of over 100 visitors who flocked to the stamp launch in Kitchener, Ontario.

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Dan Williams 1
27 May 2005
Kitchener, Ontario

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Good afternoon ladies & gentleman. It's a real honour to be standing here in my father's place. He sends his regrets. He is actually quite ill, but I am here on behalf of my father, as are my two sisters in the audience, Heather & Shelley. I am going to read my father's speech as if he was here, so if you could just picture me at 76 standing here…(laughter from audience)

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Dan Williams 2
27 May 2005
Kitchener, Ontario

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"My family and I sincerely thank Canada Post and its Stamp Advisory Committee for issuing two stamps to commemorate my grandfather's 150th birthday and life's work.

As the grandson of Homer Watson, I have some wonderful memories of the short time that I was able to be with him. He was a special man and had a great love for nature. On warm sunny days he liked to sit out among the flower beds, and watch and listen to the birds sing as they flitted from tree to tree in the nearby orchard.

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Dan Williams 3
27 May 2005
Kitchener, Ontario

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My aunt Phoebe was often at his side and devoted a lot of affection and attention to him.
Grandpa adored trees that he painted on many of his pictures. If one of them was struck by lightening, he would want any branches removed that could be reached with a ladder, so it would keep the landscape natural.
If he was painting when I entered his studio, he would stop and sit in his big chair by the window. Sometimes I would sit on his lap and he would tell me stories.

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Dan Williams 4
27 May 2005
Kitchener, Ontario

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His pipes were always on the windowsill, and if he was smoking when I came into the room, he would quickly put it aside.
I really enjoyed being with him. I watched him paint and sometimes he would draw with pencil and paper. My favourite painting is the Barnyard at Eventide that is hanging on the right wall by the entrance to his studio. The animals are so realistic that you almost expect them to start walking away.
My grandpa was a very kind man and an extremely talented artist.

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Dan Williams 5
27 May 2005
Kitchener, Ontario

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My grandparents, Homer Watson and Roxanna Bechtel, hosted many "at home" gatherings right here in this very room to promote his artwork and, on at least one occasion, to raise money for the Red Cross during World War I.

I am delighted that all of you could be here today to celebrate and to continue his legacy by the issuance of these two Canada Post stamps. Thank you."