Urban Shocker
Doyenne
No, it's by William McElcheran, represented by Kinsman Robinson. There are other examples of his work around town - at Brookfield Place, at Waterpark Place at 20 Bay Street, and outside the Kelly Library at St. Michael's College for example.
Internationally recognized for his bronze figures of portly businessmen, William Hodd McElcheran (1927-1999) devoted his life to portraying these self-important men of trade in different settings and situations. He took a good natured poke at the "rat race" and was continually fascinated by the dynamics of our ever-expanding population. His commissioned works can be found in churches, subways, and numerous public places worldwide.
Born in Hamilton, McElcheran received a scholarship to study at the Ontario College of Art. In 1948, he graduated at the top of his class and was awarded the Lieutenant Governor's Medal. During his early years as a woodworker, McElcheran focused on liturgical art as he began carving church furniture and pews. He went on to become chief designer for Bruce Brown and Brisely architects where he helped co-ordinate the planning and designing of churches and university buildings. His countless stations of the cross, bas-reliefs, and stain glass windows can still be seen today in churches in Toronto, Hamilton, and Guelph. As he began to seek other clients his work became more secularized, which led to his creation of the businessman. He spent little time in Canada, moving to Italy in 1975 to live in Pietrasanta to be close to the foundry and artisans skilled in bronze casting. In the early 1980’s his work became the subject of controversy after he created a life-size bronze depicting an unclothed mother, father, and child for the city of Guelph. He slept very little, preferring to devote as much time as possible to his art.
