The research collection of the McMichael Library/Archives focuses on Canadian art, with a strong emphasis on the Group of Seven, as well as Inuit and First Nations art and culture.
Our holdings include books, exhibition catalogues, periodicals, artists' files, slides, and archival materials.
A Wealth of Source Materials
The archives contain a variety of primary source materials that provide insight into who these artists were, how they worked and what they were thinking at the time.
Researchers can access:
- Artists' photographs
- Letters and journals
- Manuscripts
- Sketchbooks
- Audio-visual resources
- Memorabilia
- A comprehensive collection of commercial work by the Group of Seven
The library also has an extensive collection of books designed and/or illustrated by Canadian artists, among them A.Y. Jackson, J.E.H. MacDonald, Edwin Holgate, Franklin Carmichael, F.H. Varley, and Clarence Gagnon.
Using the Library and Archives
Our research staff are unable to respond to students' homework questions. First try your school and public libraries and the Web by typing your topic into a Search Engine. If that fails, then contact our Education Department and we may be able to direct you to some useful resources.
The Library/Archives are open to researchers by appointment on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Inquire by email or by phone 905.893.1121 ext. 2255, or by mail.
Cover of Maclean's magazine
Illustrated by Franklin Carmichael, 1928
The distinctive commercial art of Carmichael is among the finest examples of design work by the Group of Seven.
