York Wilson
R. York Wilson R.C.A., O.S.A. achieved international acclaim during his long and active career. Born in Toronto, he first exhibited his paintings in 1931 and had more than 70 solo exhibitions.
Influenced by international travel and study, his paintings evolved from figuration to abstraction. He pioneered art advances in Canada while gaining critical commendation abroad.
In 1981 the prestigious Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, invited Wilson to paint his self-portrait. His work is included in public, corporate and private collections throughout the world.
Some of Wilson's twelve Canadian mural compositions are well known in Toronto. These include: The History of Oil (1957) in the Imperial Oil Building; The Seven Lively Arts (1960) in the Hummingbird Centre; Ontario (1968), in the Macdonald Block at Queen's Park.
The Toronto architect John B. Layng designed this house at 41 Alcina Avenue for York and Lela Wilson. The unusual design, which incorporates the artist's studio, is a significant example of modern architecture in Toronto.
Plaque via Alan L. Brown's site Toronto Plaques. Full page here.