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.
These new platforms celebrate the life and legacy of John Little (1928–2024), one of Canada’s most beloved urban painters. Best known for his vivid portrayals of mid-century Montreal and Quebec City, Little’s work captures the character of the city’s architecture, street life, and neighbourhoods—often just before they were changed forever.
But what many don’t know is that John Little was also a meticulous photographer, maintaining a private archive of thousands of photographs, sketches, and street-level observations throughout his career.
What You’ll Find on the Archive Pages
Our new pages bring this remarkable archive to light for the first time. We’ll be posting regularly under themes like:
Archival Photographs: Images from the artist’s personal files, used as reference material for his paintings.
“Then & Now” Comparisons: Side-by-side views of historical photos and the John Little paintings they inspired.
From the Sketchbook: Early pencil studies and preliminary drawings, some with handwritten notes.
Block-by-Block Features: Paintings and photos tied to specific regions or neighbourhoods
Join the Conversation
Our hope is that these pages will become a community. We encourage you to follow along, share stories, and tag friends or family who might recognize the buildings, blocks, or businesses that appear in these posts.
Follow Us
📍 Instagram: @JohnLittleArchive
📍 Facebook: John Little Archive
Whether you grew up in Montreal or simply admire its history and architecture, we welcome you to explore the city as seen through the artist’s eye.
