University of Lethbridge Gets Largest Gift of Art

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Tom Thomson, "Cliffs Near Petawawa," 1916, oil

The University of Lethbridge Art Gallery has unveiled an unparalleled bequest of more than 1,000 works valued between $4 million and $5 million from the estate of Margaret (Marmie) Perkins Hess.

Mike Mahon, the university's president and vice-chancellor, says it is the largest gift of art and cultural properties to the university in its 51-year history. 

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Dr. Margaret (Marmie) Hess at her Spencer Creek Ranch near Cochrane, Alberta. (photo courtesy of the Alberta Order of Excellence)

“We are honoured to become the home for these iconic works of art," says Mahon. "Marmie was truly a renaissance woman; she was highly educated and committed to the arts, education and the community.”

Most works haven’t been seen in public since Hess acquired them. Included is Cliffs Near Petawawa by Tom Thomson, a contemporary of the Group of Seven, valued at more than $1 million. The collection also contains more than 400 works by Indigenous artists, primarily Inuit and Northwest Coast.

The executors of the estate say Hess wanted the collection be open and accessible to a broad audience. She also wanted to support education, teaching and research.

"Given these wishes, we find it so satisfying that the Hess collection has found a new home at the U of L,” say Dale Boniface and Richard Haskayne. 

"We take great comfort in knowing that Marmie would be absolutely thrilled with the new home and plans for her collection.”

The collection tells the story of Canadian art in the 20th century from both settler and Indigenous perspectives. A.Y. Jackson, a member of the Group of Seven and a personal friend, advised Hess on her Canadian purchases, which included works by Lawren Harris and Emily Carr. Another friend, the late photographer Roloff Beny, advised Hess on purchases of international art, including work by Picasso and Chagall.

Josephine Mills, the director of the university's art gallery, praised the collection.

“Marmie had a really good eye and she was ahead of her time with her strong interest in learning from Indigenous people and their art,” she says. “This collection is an amazing addition for us.”

The gallery is renaming its main exhibition space the Dr. Margaret (Marmie) Perkins Hess Gallery. It will research and provide access to the works through exhibitions and public programs.

Source: University of Lethbridge