Marilyn Jones | Emily Carr Chronicler

Ethnology, Empire, and Emily Carr: The Story of Charles and William Newcombe

Published: 3 January, 2026
Written by Marilyn Jones

In the British Columbia Archives at Victoria are one hundred and twenty-three pictures by Emily Carr, in pen, pencil, charcoal, watercolour and oils. These formed part of the valuable collection of Indian art and natural history which belonged to the late William Arnold Newcombe, biologist, anthropologist and ethnologist of Victoria, who died suddenly in November 1960. His collection also embraced that of his father, Dr C. F. Newcombe, a noted expert on natural history…

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From Record-Breaking Sale to Museum Treasure: Emily Carr’s Crazy Stair at the Audain

Published: 2 January, 2026
Written by Marilyn Jones

Heffel Fine Art Auction House celebrated the best in Canadian art with its much anticipated fall auction, held at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Toronto in 2012.. With 137 lots and hundreds of buyers – either present at the hotel, watching live online or bidding by phone – the evening achieved impressive total sales of $13,416,975 million (all prices are in Canadian dollars and include a 17 per cent buyer’s premium). Leading the evening…

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Family Christmas Celebrations in Emily Carr’s Victoria

Published: 25 December, 2025
Written by Marilyn Jones

In Emily Carr’s Victoria, Christmas evolved from a modest religious observance into the warm, family-centered celebration many people recognize today. Influenced by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who popularized the decorated Christmas tree in Britain, households began adorning trees with candles, oranges, sweets, and handmade ornaments. Traditions such as singing carols, exchanging Christmas cards, enjoying festive foods like plum pudding and roast goose or turkey, and gathering for games and storytelling became widespread. For many…

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