Artist, Illustrator and Author. Born Edward Hardy Harrison, he was known around the globe for his brightly colored and whimsical depictions of the Canadian North. His parents recognized his artistic talent as a child and sent him to the West Hartlepool School of Art in England. After serving in World War II, he went on to complete his studies and was awarded a National Diploma in Design in 1949. He then taught art in Malaysia and New Zealand before he spotted a newspaper ad for a teacher needed in Canada. In 1967, he moved to Wabaska in northern Alberta with his wife and son and soon thereafter, relocated to the Yukon, where he resided until 1993. His work from this period focused on the colors and culture of the region. Harrison was also an editorial cartoonist for the Whitehorse Star in the late 1970s and early '80s. In addition to his paintings, he also worked as an illustrator and author which earned him a national first: selection for the International Children’s Book Exhibition in Bologna, Italy. In 1987, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions to Canadian culture. He also held honorary doctorates from Athabasca University, the University of Victoria, the University of Alberta and was made a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. In 2011, Harrison donated his personal archive to the University of Victoria's Library.
Artist, Illustrator and Author. Born Edward Hardy Harrison, he was known around the globe for his brightly colored and whimsical depictions of the Canadian North. His parents recognized his artistic talent as a child and sent him to the West Hartlepool School of Art in England. After serving in World War II, he went on to complete his studies and was awarded a National Diploma in Design in 1949. He then taught art in Malaysia and New Zealand before he spotted a newspaper ad for a teacher needed in Canada. In 1967, he moved to Wabaska in northern Alberta with his wife and son and soon thereafter, relocated to the Yukon, where he resided until 1993. His work from this period focused on the colors and culture of the region. Harrison was also an editorial cartoonist for the Whitehorse Star in the late 1970s and early '80s. In addition to his paintings, he also worked as an illustrator and author which earned him a national first: selection for the International Children’s Book Exhibition in Bologna, Italy. In 1987, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions to Canadian culture. He also held honorary doctorates from Athabasca University, the University of Victoria, the University of Alberta and was made a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. In 2011, Harrison donated his personal archive to the University of Victoria's Library.
Bio by: Louis du Mort
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