We’re looking for your help to identify this property.
Why? It’s a painting by Dr. Frederick Banting titled, “Almonte 1927”.
Yes, that Dr. Banting who discovered insulin.
And yes, he was a friend of A.Y. Jackson.
The two of them had just returned to London, Ontario in early September, 1927 from a painting trip to the eastern Arctic.
Then Dr. Banting went to Ottawa. At some point during that trip, he was in the Almonte area. So far, we’ve been unable to find any reference to Banting’s visit in the archives of the Almonte Gazette, the Ottawa Citizen, or the Ottawa Journal.
A bit of history:
The painting was owned by Dr. W.L. Tew of London, Ontario. He donated it to the Banting House National Historic site of Canada in London.
It was later printed as a card in a group of cards used as a fundraiser for the
Canadian Diabetes Association.
Important to consider:
1. The property looks a bit like a farm, so maybe wasn’t within Almonte.
2. Might have been somewhere on the outskirts of town.
3. Perhaps the house doesn’t exist any more—after all, the painting was done 89 years ago.
If you can identify the location and/or owner of house/farm, please let me know. Would also be a good idea to show this around to see if anyone you know might recognize the location.
Many thanks for your help.
Maureen McVey
Project Coordinator
Voice: 613-256-7441
Data: mmcvey@vianet.on.ca
