When were the murals painted and who painted them?
Artist George Southwell painted the murals between 1933 and 1935.
How did these murals come to be displayed in the legislature buildings?The Province received the murals as a personal gift from the then-Provincial Secretary, S.L. Howe. They represent certain events in British Columbia’s history and reflect qualities necessary for colonization – courage, enterprise, labour and justice.
Who is George Southwell?
George Southwell (1865 – 1961) was a professional artist specializing in historical portraits and landscapes. His work can also be seen in the upper rotunda of the legislature buildings where a second set of four canvas murals are displayed, representing the four basic industries of B.C. – logging, mining, fishing and farming.
Why are the murals so controversial?
At issue is the way the art portrays Aboriginal people and where the murals are displayed. In the 1930s, when the murals were painted, few people questioned the way Aboriginal people were depicted – as subservient, passive and inferior to white colonists.
Today, our values have changed. For the first time in the province’s history, government is working directly with First Nations and Aboriginal organizations to develop a New Relationship based on the principles of mutual respect, reconciliation and recognition of Aboriginal rights and title. We have laws that recognize Aboriginal people and acknowledge their constitutionally protected rights.
What steps has government taken to examine this issue?
In 2001, an independent five-person advisory panel with experts on art history and Aboriginal art thoughtfully examined the issue, collecting and considering input from the public, art experts, historians and First Nations.
They produced an extensive report entitled the “Review of the Depiction of Aboriginal peoples in the artworks of the Parliament Buildings” which recommended the murals be removed and relocated.
Will the authors of the 2001 report be involved in the process again?
The work of the original advisory panel, their rationale and recommendations will form the basis on how we decide to proceed. And there is always the possibility that we will turn to them again or to other experts for additional advice.
Some critics say that removing art from public places because it offends some people is a form of censorship – what do you say?
We recognize that the removal of art from a public building is an extraordinary event raising legitimate concerns. But the artistic value of these paintings is not the issue. It is where they are displayed. Every citizen of British Columbia has the right to feel welcome in the Legislature.
Is there a risk to the art when it is removed?
We will take every precaution necessary to ensure these murals are moved safely and without damage to the art or to the building.
Are there historical inaccuracies in these murals?
Yes. Design details of garments, a paddle, ceremonial masks, and a totem pole are inaccurately displayed in three of the murals. As the report noted, these misrepresentations, while trivial to some, hold great significance for Aboriginal people.
What kind of process will be in place to replace the murals?
B.C. has committed to working with the First Nations Leadership Council and the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations on this project.
A process will also be established to make recommendations on art to replace the murals.
Where will these murals go?
It is too early to say where these murals will eventually be housed.
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