Themes & Content


"A Woman's Place": How Women's Art-Making Shaped Early Victoria

Hannah Maynard, Untitled, c.1888-89

Hannah Maynard
Untitled c.1888-89
Tinted albumen print on mount
15.0 x 10.0 (image); 16.6 x 10.8 (card)
BC Archives HP069281

This virtual exhibition will illuminate the breadth of women's creativity, technical accomplishment, and social influence, in part, by adopting an expansive definition of art that includes painting, drawing, photography, basketry, weaving, lace-making, embroidery, china painting, pottery, architecture, and interior design undertaken by over 80 artists, many previously unknown. An educational component aimed at middle to high school social studies curricula will specifically address issues of class, race, and gender in recovering women's histories. The site will highlight, in particular, artistic interactions between European and First Nations women. This virtual exhibition brings together art from twelve private and public lenders to provide a unique experience for a multi-ethnic, multi-aged audience with a variety of interests.