Standing in almost the identical spot where A.J. Casson sat over 80 years ago to paint one of his famous watercolours, Guelph-Eramosa officials could barely contain their excitement.
On Aug. 19, councillors and members of the township’s heritage committee joined chef and owner Bielmann Hubert at Heaven on 7 restaurant to unveil a new plaque dedicated to Casson and one of his paintings set in Rockwood.
“We are honoured to commemorate the work of A.J. Casson, and very pleased to recognize one of the many paintings he completed in our township,” Mayor Chris White said.
The plaque includes a large reproduction of Casson’s Main Street, Rockwood, Ontario painting, as well as a brief history about Casson and his work locally.
Alfred Joseph Casson, who passed away at 94 in 1992, was the youngest member of the Group of Seven Canadian landscape painters, which lasted from approximately 1920 to 1933. Best known for his work portraying villages and rural landscapes within Ontario, Casson completed many paintings set in what is now Guelph-Eramosa and throughout Wellington?County, particularly in Elora.
“He was one of Canada’s most influential artists, and his contribution to the rich, cultural heritage of our community needs to be remembered,” said White.
From the location of the plaque on the exterior wall of Heaven on 7, visitors can face south and see some of the buildings depicted in the painting are still standing today.
Councillor Doug Breen said there are at least four, if not many more, Casson paintings set in and around Rockwood. The goal, he said, is to erect similar plaques throughout the village – similar to the Casson walking tour in Elora – as a way to recognize Casson’s work and also to provide a heritage and cultural attraction for locals and visitors alike.
White said the only problem is it is hard to determine who owns the copyright for each painting. He said when township officials discovered the Casson connection in Rockwood, township officials did some research and tracked down Casson’s daughter, Margaret Hall.
She owned the copyright for Main Street, Rockwood, given as a gift by?Casson in 1972 to the Art Gallery of Hamilton, and was more than willing to agree to the plaque, to the delight of township officials.
“Once you realize what you’ve got, you should use it,” White said. “It’s an economic strength [for the township] and a great tribute to one of Canada’s greatest artists.”
Anyone wanting to see the plaque can visit the Heaven on 7 eatery, located at 262 Main Street South, in Rockwood.
