ALBERTA CLELAND (Canadian, 1876-1960)
The Roddick Gates
McGill University, Montreal
circa 1925
 
Of historical Canadian interest. The Roddick Gates Entrance to McGill University, Sherbrooke Street, opened in 1925.
 
Oil on canvas laid on board
Signed 'A Cleland' lower left
13 inches x 16 inches
 
The wrought iron fencing – missing in this image – was installed after the completion in spring 1925 of the limestone pillars. This work captures a period during the construction of the gates, when heavy snows halted progress. Based on the November 28, 1924 photograph of the construction in the McCord Museum, this painting dates during the winter months between December 1924 and March 1925.
 
Mary Alberta Cleland taught alongside William Brymner at the Montreal Museum of Art. Her students include Edwin Holgate, Nora Collyer, Marion Scott and others from 1898-1937.