OTTAWA.- Imperial is donating five paintings by prominent Canadian artists to the National Gallery of Canada in honour of the country’s upcoming sesquicentennial celebration. The selected works by Lawren S. Harris (1885-1970), Paul Peel (1860-1892), Prudence Heward (1892-1947), Kathleen M. Morris (1893-1986) and A.J. Casson (1898-1992) will be added to the Gallery’s national collection of Later Canadian Art.

“We are grateful to Imperial for its generous donation to Canada’s national collection. These are remarkable works by some of Canada’s most significant historical artists. These works of art will certainly be appreciated by visitors to the National Gallery,” said NGC Director and CEO Marc Mayer.

Billboard (Jazz) (1921) by Lawren S. Harris is one of the paintings to be donated to the national collection. Harris is one of the pivotal figures in the history of the arts in Canada. Although Harris was renowned for his portrayal of the native landscape and wilderness, he was essentially a city dweller. Billboard (Jazz) (1921) is a fine example of his early fascination with urban life, his treatment of colour and light, and a demonstration of the visceral quality of his painting style.

“Imperial has a strong, prominent historical connection to Canada and so does our art collection. We are excited to share these extraordinary works with Canadians through the National Gallery, in honour of the country’s upcoming sesquicentennial celebration,” said Rich Kruger, Chairman, President and CEO of Imperial.

Thomas d'Aquino, Chair of the National Gallery of Canada Foundation, commended Imperial for its generous gift. "Imperial, a company with deep roots in Canada and with a long-standing connection to Canadian art, has favoured the National Gallery of Canada with these important additions to the Canadian collection. The National Gallery of Canada Foundation thanks and salutes Imperial for this publicly-spirited act of business leadership and for demonstrating the company's commitment to enriching Canada's cultural heritage."

Included in this donation by Imperial are Paul Peel’s Idle Dreams (1882); Prudence Heward’s, Miss Anne Grafftey (1944); Kathleen M. Morris’s, Birds Feeding (c. 1945); and A.J. Casson’s, Twilight Near Britt (1960), all welcome additions to the National Gallery’s collection of works by these artists. These noteworthy pieces are among approximately 60 artworks Imperial will donate to galleries across Canada to mark the sesquicentennial.

These artworks will enter the national collection following the Gallery’s standard acquisition process and cultural property certification by the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board.