Not Quite Arts and Letters Club

Posted by Susanna McLeod Nov 19, 2007

As participant in the yearly PBS art auction for the past six years, I was tickled to receive an invitation to the recent Artist’s Reception. I jumped at the opportunity to hobnob with fine artists of international repute. There was discussion of arts, delicious food, wine-tasting, desserts, and in the background, music performed by young violinists. It was a delight. The event was probably similar (but on a much smaller scale) to those Sir Frederick Banting attended when he joined a prestigious arts association in Toronto, Ontario.

A Canadian doctor, knighted for his discovery of Insulin in 1923, Banting also became an artist whose fine landscape paintings rivalled those of top artists of the day.

Upon joining the Toronto Arts and Letters Club in 19XX, Banting became acquainted with internationally-renowned artists known as The Group of Seven. One artist in particular became his friend and arts colleague, AY Jackson. The two men toured the continent, even to the far reaches of the North on a ship to sketch the breath-taking, icy scenes.

Founded in 1908, The Toronto Arts and Letters Club has continued its original undertaking “to provide a milieu for the free and vigorous exchange of ideas and opinions. Good conversation and camaraderie are long-standing traditions.” The Club has tirelessly promoted fine art, writing, music, architecture, theatre, and performance art for nearly a century.

Celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2008, The Club will be hosting a large number of events, including art auctions, a Burns Supper in January to celebrate poet Robbie Burns, an open house, and many other year-long activities.

The Toronto Arts and Letters Club was a haven of peace for Sir Frederick Banting, away from the public eye. For me, attending the Artist’s Reception was a step into the public.