Harold B. Goodridge Big Fish Newfoundland Dock Christmas Card Print 13"

Description

Mid to late 20th century print by Harold B. Goodridge. Shows a young boy and an older fisherman with an enormous fish, standing together on a Newfoundland dock. Printed and distributed by Goodridge as on of his many custom Christmas cards to friends and family. Mounted on cardstock. Portion of interior of card preserved on the back.

"Harold Berwick Goodridge was born in St. John's on Feb. 23, 1901, the son of Anne and Richard Goodridge. He was educated at Bishop Feild College in St. John's and at Bedford School and Cambridge University in England. In 1924 he began teaching in England and spent four years as head of the Department of Geography at Birkenhead School before leaving for India in 1934. There he served as master and acting principal at Daly College for Indian Princes at Indore. During 1942 he served with the Royal Indian Navy as artist and reporter. Goodridge returned to Newfoundland in 1944 and after two years as private secretary to Gov. Sir Humphrey Walwyn, he joined the faculty of Memorial University College, where he established the Department of Geography and served as its head for 14 years. In 1960 Goodridge retired from teaching to devote himself full-time to painting. He had no formal artistic training; he had first become interested in painting while in India and had received his first commissions there. After his return to Newfoundland he painted a large mural of John Cabot about to depart from Bristol at the beginning of his voyage of discovery, as part of the 450th anniversary of Cabot's voyage. It was subsequently used as the frontispiece for the 1949 Canadian Year Book, the first issue in which Newfoundland was included as a province. In the late 1950s the Newfoundland government commissioned the mural of Newfoundland history which now hangs in the lobby at Confederation Building. His work can be found in many public and private collections the world over. In 1977 he was awarded an honorary degree by Memorial for his contribution to the university and to art. Goodridge continued to paint until his death in April 1989. Harold Goodridge believed in sharing his art with as many people as possible. Each year he would design a Christmas card which contained one his drawings as the cover image; he would have these printed and sent to his friends. The subjects varied from the historic (Sir Humphrey Gilbert taking possession of Newfoundland for Queen Elizabeth I), to the contemporary (Bowring Park, the Anglican Cathedral), the religious (the adoration of the Magi) to the scenic (seagulls over cliffs)." (Heritage Newfoundland & Labrador)

Condition

Good Overall - Light wear; slight warp to cardboard backing

Dimensions

8.5" x 0.125" x 12.5" (Width x Depth x Height)