Art works

York Factory National Historic Site

Painted panels ca. 1800

In the early 1980s, a Parks Canada archaeologist exploring the Depot Building stumbled upon what is perhaps the most significant piece of art to be discovered at York Factory. Scenes of everyday life at the post had been painted on wooden panels by an unknown resident in the late eighteenth century, but at some point they had been reused as warehouse shelving!

This unique find has been reproduced here, giving you a rare glimpse into the people of York Factory.

A painting done on wooden boards. A woman and man in traditional clothing sitting at a table with a tea set on the table. Painted panel ca. 1800 - York Factory Depot Building

A painting done on wooden boards. A man firing a rifle at two birds with hilly terrain and a grove of trees in the background. Painted panel ca. 1800 - York Factory Depot Building

A painting on wooden boards of a man wearing a top hat and playing the fiddle. Painted panel ca. 1800 - York Factory Depot Building

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