Emily Carr (1871-1945) has become one of Canada's most famous artists. A noted painter and writer, Emily spent much of her life living on the West Coast. Her love and feeling of the West Coast is conveyed in her paintings.
Emily Carr built and lived in a small apartment house, the "House of All Sorts." (originally known as Hill House) for 23 years (1913-1936). The house was built in 1913 by the architect John Wilson on part of her father's property. A small apartment house with two suites, Emily had hoped that it would supply her with enough means to support herself so she could paint full-time. This never happened. She was landlady, cook, potter, gardener, breeder and some-time painter during her years at the "House of All Sorts."
Take a virtual tour of Emily's house and wander around the different suites; Doll's House, Studio, Lower West Flat or Lower East Flat. If you are feeling brave climb up the ladder and crawl into the attic to see Emily's eagles. Perhaps you would like to go into the basement where the puppies lived, maybe you can even smell the soot from the old furnace. Or take a break and step outside the back door and visit Emily's garden. Maybe if you close your eyes you'll be able to hear Punk the Bobtail Sheepdog, or Adolphus the Persian cat or Woo the monkey.
Over the years, the house has gone through several renovations, including the addition of a second roof, the removal of stairs and the lowering of the ceilings on the second floor. Learn about the house's changes over its 87 years of life in the renovations section.
In 1973, the "House of All Sorts" became a Provincially designated heritage site. Today the house remains a private residence with four occupied suites; the Studio, the Doll's House, Lower West Flat and Lower East Flat.
Visit the Teacher's Corner for some fun activities for young students.
Click on the pictures throughout the site for a larger more detailed picture.
