.jpg) John Clarence Webster, 1931 X12288 .jpg) John Clarence Webster, 28 March 1931 1987.17.474 .jpg) Webster Canadiana Collection New Brunswick Museum |
For Dr. John Clarence Webster (1863-1950), knowledge of history had
a value beyond educational enrichment. In his view it could instill a sense of
cultural pride, a vital ingredient in any region’s social and economic health.
To foster knowledge of Canadian history, Dr. Webster formed his collection as a
visual record of this country’s history. Consisting of paintings, sculpture, maps
and plans, photographs, medals, documents and minor arts, his Canadiana collection
was unparalleled in his day. Although representing many aspects of the nation’s history and life, its greatest strength lies in the areas of military and naval history. These extend from early exploration through consolidation of French power; the period of Anglo-French conflict in the eighteenth century and the subsequent establishment of British rule; the British struggle in the American Revolution, to nineteenth-century settlement and expansion of Canada. The works on display show something of the range of Dr. Webster’s collection as well as his particular interest in the life and career of General James Wolfe (1727-1759). Though seeking works primarily for their historical associations, Dr. Webster was also concerned with artistic merit. Whenever possible, he acquired the production of major artists and, to fill gaps, he commissioned original art as well as copies of unobtainable historical pieces. Some of these commissions are by Canadian artists, but as a consequence of the predominantly British subjects depicted, most of the paintings are British in origin. Dr. Webster gave his collection to the New Brunswick Museum in 1934, thereby laying the foundations of the Department of Canadian History and endowing the Museum with one of its greatest assets. |
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