[Deathwatch] Elizabeth Bradford Holbrook, sculptor, 95

[Deathwatch Central <cdw@slick.org>]

>From playwright George Bernard Shaw to media baron Conrad Black,
Elizabeth Bradford Holbrook sculpted some of the most recognizable
public figures of the 20th century.

Today her work still graces the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, the
National Gallery of Canada and the altar of St. John?s Anglican Church
in Ancaster, to name just a few. Mrs. Holbrook died on Feb. 23 at age
95.

Widely regarded as one of Canada?s best known sculptors, Mrs. Holbrook
was named to the Order of Canada in 1995. In 1987 she was named
Hamilton?s Woman of the Year in the Arts by the Status of Women
Committee. She was inducted into Hamilton?s Hall of Distinction in
1994.

An artist since age 16, Mrs. Holbrook lived most of her life in the
Ancaster area, settling on Mineral Springs Road with her husband, John,
a local dentist. Later in life, after her husband?s death, Mrs.
Holbrook lived in a downtown Hamilton retirement home.

Mrs. Holbrook enrolled at the old Hamilton Art School and focused
exclusively on sculpting after studying at Toronto?s Ontario College of
Art in 1935. She later enrolled at the Royal College of Art in London.
Over the years, Mrs. Holbrook has created dozens of sculptures and
busts, including a likeness of Sir Allan MacNab for Dundurn Castle. A
bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth was once displayed at Dundas? Carnegie
Gallery. A 1989 exhibit at McMaster University featured 125 of her
works.

In 1964, Mrs. Holbrook began teaching sculpture at the Dundas Valley
School of Art. Mrs. Holbrook and her husband were also involved with
the Ancaster Township Historical Society and Fieldcote Museum. The
couple bred New Forest ponies and is credited with bringing the species
to North America.

Long time friend Art Bowes recalled seeing Mrs. Holbrook at a birthday
party later in her life.

?I couldn?t believe she was still working on sculptures in her late
eighties and early nineties,? Mr. Bowes said.

At age 83, Mrs. Holbrook personally presented a bronze statue of
playwright George Bernard Shaw to the Shaw Festival Theatre in
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. At 87 in 2001, she profiled media baron
Conrad Black and his wife, Barbara Amiel, in happier times.

According to the Sculptors Society of Canada Web site, Mrs. Holbrook is
best known for her fine bronze busts, figures and medallic portraits.

Mrs. Holbrook is survived by her son, Dr. David Holbrook, his wife
Lauretta, three grandchildren, Christopher, Susan (Stuart Emery) in
England, and Andrew, her daughter, Jane and her lifelong friend Sheila
MacLeod, her brother Jack (Brick) Bradford and his wife, Mary of
Vancouver.

Many thanks to Deathwatch Central for posting this obituary