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| "A critic is known by the comparisons he keeps." |
| -- Algomaxim |
The Group of Seven produced many great paintings and distinctively Canadian art, but was not taken seriously until after the first decade of the twentieth century. At this time, the men who would later form the Group of Seven, with the exception of Harris and Jackson, were employed in Toronto as commercial artists at Grip Ltd. Tom Thomson, a co-worker and friend of these men, was also employed there. Thomson was not an official member of the Group as he died in Algonquin Park two and a half years before it formed. However, he was influenced by and in turn
had influence upon his contemporaries. At a time when it was difficult for anyone to make a living as a full-time painter, Grip provided employment for many young artists. It specialized in general art work and in design layouts for large stores such as the T. Eaton Company.
"Sydenham Mutual Fire Insurance Co." |