Ted Harrison Gives Archives To University Of Victoria

Although celebrated Canadian artist Ted Harrison celebrated a birthday last month, he’s the one giving a gift to the University of Victoria. Harrison has presented the personal archives that document his extraordinary artistic career to the university. His personal papers and letters, business correspondence, art supplies, some personal items, video, films and photographs will reside in the University of Victoria archives.

“The university is grateful and delighted to hold the archives of celebrated BC Artist, Ted Harrison, a UVic Honorand,” says Valerie Kuehne, vice-president external relations. “Dr. Harrison’s archives are a wonderful contribution to our local artists’ archives and will prove to be a rich resource for teaching, learning and research at the university for years to come.”

Harrison came to Canada in 1967 and soon settled in the Yukon. The area’s vast, awe-inspiring beauty became the inspiration and subject of his paintings, known for their vibrant, idiosyncratic colour that appeals to young and old alike. For nearly 30 years he taught art all over the world and, since coming to Victoria in 1993, he’s donated his art and expertise to many charities.

His paintings can be found in private and public collections throughout Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Germany and the United States. In 1987 he received the Order of Canada and in 2008 he received the Order of British Columbia for his contributions to provincial and Canadian culture.

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