Famed Anne of Green Gables author Lucy Maud Montgomery’s photography, and other works, are on display at the lower Sisnett Lobby of the Halton Hills Cultural Centre.
The exhibition is on until Nov. 26 and is free to the public, giving those who stop by a glimpse into Montgomery’s life in Norval.
“She was an amateur photographer. During her time in Norval, which was nine years, she took a lot of photographs and recorded a lot of historic buildings and nature,” said Kathy Gastle, who donated many of the materials to the exhibit. “Also when she was in Norval, she was very instrumental in directing, creating and performing in local theatre.”
Photos, letters, her books and an original quilt made by Maud are some of the main items on display. Books written about her are available in the local history section of the Halton Hills Public Library. Several local artists have also contributed items, including an Anne of Green Gables doll.
Helson Gallery curator Kara Bruce says she's amazed by how deep a glimpse the photos give into Maud's life.
“They’re different from what you'd see now from local photography. There are raw photos of scenes around Norval. Some of them are actually just interior photos. So it's everyday mundane objects, like a table and chairs or a living room setting,” Bruce told HaltonHillsToday.
“I thought that was quite interesting, just because we don't see that as often. We see beautiful landscapes and things like that. But she was just photographing her everyday life.”
The importance of Maud to Norval is not lost on Gastle. The hamlet is a destination for Anne of Green Gables lovers. The book has a strong following abroad, especially in Japan. In June, dozens of Japanese tourists converged on Norval to have a look around the manse that was her home.
For this reason, Gastle and her collaborators are working on getting a national heritage designation. Plans are afoot to also, one day, open a Lucy Maud Montgomery museum.
“The fact that she lived in Norval is already a magnet for international visitors,” Gastle added.
