Stuff You Missed in History Class: Helen McNicoll, Canadian Impressionist

Episode Release Date: February 3, 2025
Hosts: Holly Fry & Tracy V. Wilson
Production: iHeartRadio

Introduction

In the February 3, 2025 episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson delve into the life and legacy of Helen Galloway McNicoll, a prominent Canadian Impressionist painter. This detailed exploration uncovers McNicoll’s artistic journey, her influence on Canadian art, and the rediscovery of her works decades after her untimely death.

Early Life and Family Background

[04:26] Holly Fry begins by introducing Helen Galloway McNicoll, born on December 14, 1879, in Toronto, Ontario. She was the eldest child of David and Emily Patchley McNicoll, immigrants from Scotland and England, respectively. The family relocated to Montreal, Quebec, where Helen grew up with six siblings.

[05:41] Tracy V. Wilson elaborates on Helen’s upbringing, highlighting her father David’s successful career in the railroads, which provided the family with increasing prosperity. By Helen's early twenties, David had risen to vice president at Canadian Pacific Railway, commissioning their expansive family home, Braley.

Artistic Beginnings and Education

[06:10] Helen's exposure to art was nurtured from a young age, thanks to her parents' interests—Emily in china painting and poetry, and David in sketching and collecting art. Despite contracting scarlet fever as a toddler, which resulted in deafness, Helen received her education at home, developing skills in reading lips and playing the piano.

[07:15] Helen received her first formal art education at the Art Association of Montreal, founded in 1860. Her curriculum included nude figure studies, copying masterpieces, and drawing plaster copies of famous statues. Tracy V. Wilson notes that in 1899, Helen secured a scholarship for her exceptional drawings.

[07:40] Her mentorship under William Bremner, the Art Association’s long-serving director and a pivotal figure in Canadian art, significantly shaped her artistic development. Bremner, often hailed as the "father of Canadian painting," was instrumental in educating a generation of Canadian artists.

Connections to the Deaf Community and Education

[08:13] Helen’s involvement with the McKay Institution for Protestant deaf children in Montreal is discussed, highlighting the school's role in educating deaf individuals using the oral method—a topic Holly Fry explains further.

[10:37] Holly Fry provides historical context on the oralism versus manualism debate in deaf education, referencing the 1880 Milan Conference that favored oralism and its long-lasting impacts, including Helen’s possible connections to the deaf community through her art.

[12:43] Despite limited personal writings, Tracy V. Wilson suggests that Helen’s sketches of students at schools for the deaf indicate her engagement with and support for the deaf community, although specific details remain scarce.

Advanced Art Training in London and Paris

[17:09] At age 23, Helen traveled to London to study at the Slade School of Art, earning first-class honors over two years. Tracy V. Wilson explores the reasons behind choosing London over the more prestigious Paris, citing family connections and language considerations due to Helen’s deafness.

[18:41] Holly Fry adds that London’s conservative reputation and the Slade School’s inclusive approach to women artists, particularly in nude figure classes, made it an appealing choice. The Slade was known for its "restrained brand of modernism," aligning with Helen’s artistic aspirations.

Life and Work in St. Ives and Collaboration with Dorothea Sharpe

[19:34] After her studies, Helen attended the Cornish School of Landscape and Sea Painting in St. Ives, Cornwall, a hub for Impressionist and plein air artists. There, she met Dorothea Sharpe, a British Impressionist who became both her professional collaborator and personal partner.

[20:03] Tracy V. Wilson describes the deep bond between Helen and Dorothea, highlighting their shared studio spaces, mutual support, and the affectionate nicknames they used for each other—Nellie and Dolly. Their partnership allowed them to navigate the male-dominated art world, sharing costs and fostering a creative environment focused on women artists.

[21:42] Tracy V. Wilson continues, noting Helen’s first professional exhibition at the Art Association of Montreal in 1906 and her subsequent accolades, including the Jessie Dow Prize in 1908 for her painting "September Evening."

Artistic Style and Themes

[29:05] The hosts discuss McNicoll’s artistic style, emphasizing her mastery of light and atmosphere, hallmarks of Impressionism. Paintings like "Fishing" (1907) and "In the Shadow of the Tent" (1914) showcase her ability to capture natural light and the serene yet introspective mood of her subjects.

[33:38] Tracy V. Wilson explores interpretations of Helen’s work, noting the elusive expressions and quietude of her subjects, which some critics associate with her own experiences as a deaf individual. Additionally, her paintings often depict women in both traditional and subtly subversive roles, reflecting the evolving gender dynamics of the early 20th century.

Recognition, Awards, and Legacy

[25:29] Tragically, Helen McNicoll’s promising career was cut short when she died on June 27, 1915, in Swanage, Dorset, at the age of 35 due to complications from diabetes. Her obituary praised her as "one of Canada's most promising artists," noting her unique progression and the revelation brought by her final works.

[29:48] Posthumously, Helen’s contributions to Canadian Impressionism were overshadowed by movements like the Group of Seven. However, recent retrospectives, such as the 1999 exhibition at the Art Gallery of Ontario and the 2023 "Cassatt Impressionists Between Worlds" exhibition, have begun to reestablish her significance in art history.

[31:26] Holly Fry underscores Helen’s role in bridging Canadian art with European art scenes, enhancing the visibility and appreciation of Canadian Impressionism both domestically and internationally.

Rediscovery of Helen McNicoll’s Work

[40:53] A significant moment in Helen McNicoll’s legacy came with the rediscovery of her painting "Women in the Fields," previously known as "The Bean Harvest." Authenticated by the BBC TV show Fake or Fortune, the painting's value soared from £2,000 to over £300,000. This discovery not only highlighted Helen’s enduring artistic talent but also prompted renewed interest in her oeuvre.

Audience Interaction and Appreciation

[41:58] The episode features a heartfelt letter from listener Sarah, an organologist with a PhD, who shares her appreciation for the podcast's coverage of musical instruments and cultural connections. She also includes adorable photos of her dog, Miss Betty White, adding a personal touch to the episode.

Conclusion and Reflective Thoughts

[39:55] Tracy V. Wilson reflects on how Helen McNicoll's work was initially underappreciated due to limited public availability and overshadowing by later artists. However, recent exhibitions and scholarly interest have begun to rectify this oversight, ensuring that Helen’s contributions to Impressionism and Canadian art are duly recognized.

[40:41] The episode concludes by celebrating Helen McNicoll's artistic journey and lasting impact, inspiring listeners to appreciate the nuanced narratives of historical figures who have shaped their respective fields.

Notable Quotes

• Tracy V. Wilson [02:27]: "The way the Unearthed episodes work is I just look at a ton of news and research sources over the course of a quarter..."

• Holly Fry [09:49]: "The Oral School began to shift its focus due to debates over the best ways to teach deaf children and for deaf people to communicate."

• Tracy V. Wilson [29:05]: "September Evening depicts a gold field dotted with sheaves of grain, bordered by a forest... It was a revelation even to people who had kept watch on her previous pieces."

• Holly Fry [25:29]: "The Montreal Gazette described her last picture shown in Canada that spring as a revelation even to people who had kept watch on her previous pieces."

• Tracy V. Wilson [33:38]: "A number of art critics have interpreted this as possibly connected to McNicoll's deafness."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class offers a comprehensive look into the life of Helen McNicoll, shedding light on her artistic prowess, personal challenges, and the resurgence of interest in her work. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Holly and Tracy honor a remarkable artist whose legacy continues to influence and inspire.

Listen to Stuff You Missed in History Class on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.