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May 26 – 30, 2009
The Montréal Jazz Scene

In conjunction with the 10th World Congress on Art Deco, being held in Montréal, the Concordia Archives will present a display of graphic materials from the 1930s-1950s from its remarkable holdings of documentation related to Montreal night clubs and the Montreal jazz scene.

curated by :  Nancy Marrelli and Concordia Archives 

Also on view: between 6-7pm daily - EV.1.615
The York Theatre Murals

Kenneth Hensley Holmden (1893-1963)
Paintings commissioned for the York Theatre, c.1938
oil on canvas

From 1938 to 2001 the York Theatre occupied what is now the eastern wing of this Concordia University building. Conceived by Perry, Luke and Little Architects and decorated under the supervision of Emmanuel Briffa, the « York » welcomed thousands of Montreal cinephiles.

In homage to the Art Deco landmark certain artifacts were saved, restored and incorporated into this lecture theatre as well as on the lower level of this building.

Seen here are three paintings of nymphs in Canadian landscapes that remain from an original series of eight.

Holmden also completed commissions in the city for the Imperial Bank of Canada and Ruby Foos restaurant. His work is in the collection of the National Gallery of Canada.

© Concordia University