Willard Morse Mitchell (Canadian 1881-1955)
Ye Old-Time Bookstore on St. Catherine Street, W. Montreal, P.Q.
Size: 2 x 2 ½ in (with frame 2 ½ x 3 in)
Miniature watercolour in original hand carved frame, signed lower right "WMM", inscribed on reverse "YE OLD-TIME BOOKSTORE on St. Catherine Street, W. Montreal, P.Q.. This is one of the few remaining old landmarks left in the "uptown" shopping district of this historic city. For several generations this book-store has stood undisturbed, while around it new buildings have grown. This water color drawing and hand carved frame is the work of Willard M. Mitchell."
Willard Mitchell was born in Saint John, New Brunswick and was active in Montreal as an artist and architect from 1927 to 1943. Working in oil, watercolour and ink, he is known for his miniature landscapes and streetscapes of rural Quebec and Montreal. He carved his own frames and often placed a brief note on the back of the framed scenes. His watercolours were well done and were well received, often as popular gifts. He travelled to Nova Scotia, Italy and Greece and exhibited with the Art Association of Montreal in 1927 and 1928. Mitchell died at the age of 74 and was survived by his wife Ethel Corinna Harris Mitchell.
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