H. O. McCurry

H. O. McCurry. Harry Orr McCurry was a pivotal Canadian art administrator who served as the director of the National Gallery of Canada during a period of significant national growth. His tenure oversaw the expansion of the gallery's collections and its physical presence, fostering a greater appreciation for both historical and contemporary Canadian art. McCurry played a crucial role in supporting artists through the Great Depression and World War II, leaving a lasting institutional legacy.

Early life and education

Harry Orr McCurry was born in 1889 in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. He pursued his higher education at McGill University in Montreal, where he developed a strong foundation in the arts and humanities. Following his studies, McCurry returned to Ottawa and began his professional life within the federal public service. His early career involved work at the Public Archives of Canada, an experience that provided him with valuable insights into national cultural stewardship and collection management.

Career at the National Gallery of Canada

McCurry joined the staff of the National Gallery of Canada in 1919, initially working as the private secretary to the influential director Eric Brown. He steadily rose through the ranks, becoming the assistant director and playing a key role in the gallery's daily operations and strategic development. Upon Brown's death in 1939, McCurry was appointed director, a position he held until his retirement in 1955. His directorship navigated the challenges of the Second World War, including the protection of the collection, and he later presided over the gallery's move to its new building on Elgin Street in Ottawa.

Contributions to Canadian art

McCurry was a dedicated advocate for Canadian artists, continuing and expanding the supportive policies initiated by Eric Brown. He was instrumental in administering the Canadian War Memorials Fund during World War II, commissioning works from artists like Charles Comfort and Alex Colville to document the national effort. McCurry also strengthened the gallery's holdings of Group of Seven paintings and championed emerging talents, including those from Quebec such as Alfred Pellan. He fostered international connections, organizing exhibitions that showcased Canadian art abroad and bringing important works by European masters like Rembrandt to audiences in Canada.

Later life and legacy

After retiring from the National Gallery of Canada in 1955, McCurry remained active in the cultural community, serving on various arts-related committees and boards. His contributions were recognized with an honorary doctorate from Queen's University and his appointment as a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. The National Gallery of Canada archives hold a significant collection of his papers, which detail his extensive correspondence with artists, collectors, and institutions like the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. His legacy is that of a builder who solidified the gallery's role as a preeminent national institution.

Personal life

H. O. McCurry married artist Kathleen Daly, a member of the noted Daly family of Montreal and a painter known for her depictions of Inuit and northern life. The couple had one daughter. Their home in Ottawa was a gathering place for the Canadian art community, hosting figures such as A. Y. Jackson and Lawren Harris. McCurry was known as a private and meticulous man whose personal passion for art deeply informed his professional mission to build Canada's cultural heritage.

Category:Canadian curators Category:National Gallery of Canada