Untitled n.d.
Pastel on paper
63.2 x 53.2
University of Victoria Acquisition Fund

Scottish 1889-1971

Ina Uhthoff profoundly shaped Victoria’s art scene by playing a prominent role in founding the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. She studied at the Glasgow School of Art before moving to BC where she became an art teacher and administrator after establishing the Victoria School of Art in 1926. Like her contemporary Emily Carr, Uhthoff introduced her students to modernist trends and co-sponsored a class by Seattle artist Mark Toby who imparted a non-objective, abstract approach. After World War II, Uhthoff focused on her art practice and was a rare artist of the time who straddled the line between conservative and modern artistic trends with incredible versatility and technical skill.