(1881, Sheffield, England – 1969, Unionville, Ontario)
A graduate of Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Antwerp, Varley emigrated to Canada at the suggestion of his friend and fellow Sheffielder, Arthur Lismer. In 1914, Varley took his first and only trip to Algonquin Park with Tom Thomson, A.Y, Jackson, and Arthur Lismer. His rich and vibrant portraits, unlike those of others in the group, often incorporated human figures. Varley was an official war artist who served in France and Belgium during the First World War. In 1926, he moved to British Columbia, finding in the West Coast his spiritual home.
Frederick Horsman Varley, Portrait of Vera, c. 1935. Oil on canvas, Overall: 90.8 x 70.5 cm. The Thomson Collection at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Photo © AGO.
