Remembering local painter John Little - 11,000 photographs at a time
John Little is known for his paintings of working-class Montreal neighbourhoods. But now, we're learning there are photographs too. We'll speak to the man who digitized more than 11,000 pictures that date back decades, and why it's critical to him to preserve John Little's work.
On air with CBC & Radio-Canada
Last Friday, I had the pleasure of joining René Saint-Louis (Radio-Canada) and Sabrina Marandola (CBC Radio One – Let’s Go!) to speak about John Little and the broader John Little Archive Project.
Now Available: John Little —Rue Cartier, Montréal (1964)
Now available for acquisition, Rue Cartier, Montréal (1964) by John Little offers a compelling glimpse into the working-class neighbourhoods of downtown Montreal during a period of significant urban renewal.
Before the Bulldozers: John Little’s Fun and Games on Beaudry Street, 1951
In Fun and Games on Beaudry Street, John Little captures a crisp autumn day in Faubourg à m'lasse, one of Montréal’s working-class neighbourhoods. Children play in the street, tossing a ball against the façade of a building long since vanished. The small KIK-Cola sign glowing in a corner window evokes the rhythms of everyday life in the 1950s.
From John Little’s Archives: Prince of Wales Terrace
This unique Twilight view captures Sherbrooke Street at McTavish, with the historic Prince of Wales Terrace on the right. Commissioned in 1860, the terrace once housed prominent McGill University figures
John Little’s Atwater Market Reappears on Law & Order
In the early 1950s, John Little and his wife Lorraine settled into a modest flat near Atwater Street, where the young artist began to shape his vision of Montreal. Among the works from this formative period was a painting of Atwater Market — known to the John Little Archive only from an old gallery ledger. Recently, it resurfaced in an unexpected place: Law & Order.
From John Little’s Archives: The Original Orange Julep
Here is an archival photo of the original Gibeau Orange Julep, taken by John Little in September 1963.
Built in 1945, this smaller, concrete version of the iconic landmark was a true symbol of Montreal. It was famously known for its roller-skating waitresses who would bring orders right to your car window.
A Landmark First John Little Exhibition Closing September 28
John Little Exhibition at Château Ramezay closes September 28
Introducing the John Little Archive on Facebook and Instagram
We are pleased to announce the launch of the official John Little Archive social media pages—now live on Instagram and Facebook.
Preview from John Little: Montreal’s Heritage in Paint
The exhibition is organized by the Montreal unique neighborhoods, offering a unique glimpse into Montreal's past, showcasing Little's unparalleled commitment to documenting and preserving the city's architectural and social heritage.
An Evening to Remember: VIP Reception for John Little: Montreal’s Heritage in Paint
Last night, we had the pleasure of welcoming collectors, supporters, and friends of the Château Ramezay for a special reception to celebrate John Little: Montreal’s Heritage in Paint, the first-ever museum exhibition dedicated to the beloved Montréal-born painter.
The first-ever museum exhibition dedicated to the Montréal-born painter John Little (1928–2024)
The exhibition features 28 artworks from 14 private collections, along with preparatory material from the artist’s studio archives.
John Little Bus Tour of Montréal
"John Little: Montreal's Heritage in Paint," the first-ever museum exhibition dedicated to urban artist John Little (1928-2024). This tour guides you through Montreal's historic neighborhoods like Ville-Marie, Le Centre-Sud, and Griffintown, showcasing Little's unique realist paintings that visually preserve the city's vanishing urban fabric before and during the sweeping forces of urban renewal. Discover his significant historical records, from Rue Lagauchetière to Gleason's Snackbar, offering a reintroduction to an artist who profoundly shaped our visual memory of Montreal.