Canadian War Memorials Fund National Historic Event

Ottawa, Ontario
Historic photograph showing Augustus John, a well-known British artist who worked several commissions for the Canadian War Records Office (Canadian War Memorials Fund), December 1917. © Library and Archives Canada, Dept. of National Defence | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada, Ministère de la Défense nationale
Historic photograph
© Library and Archives Canada, Dept. of National Defence | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada, Ministère de la Défense nationale
Historic photograph showing Augustus John, a well-known British artist who worked several commissions for the Canadian War Records Office (Canadian War Memorials Fund), December 1917. © Library and Archives Canada, Dept. of National Defence | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada, Ministère de la Défense nationaleReproduction of 'The Battle of Vimy Ridge', painted by Richard Jack, commission for the Canadian War Mémorial Fund. © Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada
Address : Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, Ontario

Recognition Statute: Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date: 2014-09-14

Other Name(s):
  • Canadian War Memorials Fund  (Designation Name)
Research Report Number: 2013-04 (P)

Importance: Canada’s first war art program.

Plaque(s)


Existing plaque:  Canadian War Museum, 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, Ontario

Created in 1916 by Max Aitken (Lord Beaverbrook), the Fund was Canada’s first war art program, establishing a tradition of commissioning artists to depict Canada at war. Over 100 artists, one-third of them Canadian, produced nearly 1,000 artworks for the Fund during the First World War. This initiative ensured a permanent legacy of Canadian art and a visual record of the country’s war effort, helping to foster a sense of national identity. By drawing media attention, supporting artists, and creating connections within the art world, the Fund nurtured the development of Canadian art.