Ryerson Image Centre, Toronto is presenting William Notman’s photographs in the exhibition “The Notman Studio: 1858–1915.” William Notman emigrated from Scotland around 1856 and started his first photography studio in Montreal, which is now called “The Notman House.” His first assignment was to document the building of the Victoria Bridge across the St. Lawrence River that was designed by Robert Stephenson. He was extremely successful and achieved international acclaim in his times.Co-incidentally, Notman was born in 1826, the same year Nicéphore Niépce produced the world’s first photograph. Notman came from a humble background of dry goods merchants and haberdashers (a person who sells small articles for sewing like buttons, zips, hooks etc.) But Notman had some other dreams and his passion was photography. Finally in 1855, a great depression had affected Scotland and Notman found himself wobbling on the brim of bankruptcy. That is the time he decided to flee his homeland and follow his dreams.This exhibition surveys the diverse production of the photographer who was not just the first to create photographs in Canada but also became legendary across the world. His works from studio portraiture, to topographical landscapes, to genre scenes of prototypically “Canadian” pastimes will be included in this show.This exhibition runs through December 10, 2017 at University Gallery, Ryerson Image Centre, 33 Gould Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2K3.For details, visit: www.ryerson.caClick on the slideshow for a sneak peek at the exhibition.
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