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George Hunter's Canada: Iconic Images from Canada's Most Prolific Photographer
One of three new titles in the Firefly Books-National Film Board of Canada partnership. "My mission is to show Canadians, and the world, a little of our country. The more they see something of Canada's grandeur and diversity of its people, the more they will appreciate it. I will not rest a minute until my mission is accomplished."
-- George Hunter, photographer Nobody took more photos of 20th-century Canada than George Hunter. His photos are in atlases, textbooks, encyclopedias and magazines. They're in galleries, museums and public archives, on old postage stamps and currency. Despite a 70-year career that saw Hunter cross Canada more than 100 times on photographic expeditions, he never achieved widespread fame or critical acclaim. Mostly this is because Hunter was a photographer for hire to commercial entities and the government. His assignments were, ultimately, to document progress. Hunter's catalogue represents a chronology of postwar Canada, beginning with horse-drawn hay wagons and ending with modern semi trailers on multi-lane highways. He captured portraits of Canadians at work, and also became a pilot to further his career. His aerial shots of billowing smokestacks, open-pit mines, newly minted expressways and vast log booms dominate his portfolio, which to modern eyes is equal parts majestic and nostalgic. His is a portrait of a young country maturing into an industrial force; a landscape as shaped by the people. For information on the National Film Board of Canada visit www.nfb.ca.
-- George Hunter, photographer Nobody took more photos of 20th-century Canada than George Hunter. His photos are in atlases, textbooks, encyclopedias and magazines. They're in galleries, museums and public archives, on old postage stamps and currency. Despite a 70-year career that saw Hunter cross Canada more than 100 times on photographic expeditions, he never achieved widespread fame or critical acclaim. Mostly this is because Hunter was a photographer for hire to commercial entities and the government. His assignments were, ultimately, to document progress. Hunter's catalogue represents a chronology of postwar Canada, beginning with horse-drawn hay wagons and ending with modern semi trailers on multi-lane highways. He captured portraits of Canadians at work, and also became a pilot to further his career. His aerial shots of billowing smokestacks, open-pit mines, newly minted expressways and vast log booms dominate his portfolio, which to modern eyes is equal parts majestic and nostalgic. His is a portrait of a young country maturing into an industrial force; a landscape as shaped by the people. For information on the National Film Board of Canada visit www.nfb.ca.
- GenresPhotographyHistory
96 pages, Hardcover
Published October 10, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 23, 2025
A photographic journey through postwar Canada, from coast to coast, and north to south. Hunter concentrated on everyday people doing everyday things -- working in a factory, hanging out at the local pub, golfing and bowling, building jet planes, etc. The aerial views of some Canadian cities are fascinating. A wonderful salute to both the photographer and the country he loved.
December 16, 2019
Love the careful colour reproduction. Documenting the real Canada.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews