Preview from John Little: Montreal’s Heritage in Paint
John Little devoted his career to preserving the architectural heritage of Montréal. However, not much is known of him, Little having refused throughout his life to take part in interviews and exhibitions. From St. Henri to the Plateau-Mont-Royal, his paintings preserve the richness of urban life during the 1950s and the 1960s.
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.
Ville Marie
Golden Square Mile, Old Montreal, The Village, Les Faubourgs, Centre-Sud
Ville-Marie encompasses a vast area of downtown Montreal and includes neighbourhoods that have faced dramatically different fates.
In Old Montreal, preservation efforts protected historic streets and architecture, leading to a vibrant revival. Les Faubourgs and Centre-Sud, once dense working-class districts, were partially demolished, displacing thousands of residents and permanently altered the urban landscape. In the Golden Square Mile, traces of its affluent past remain scattered among the financial core and modern developments.
In the 1960s, Sherbrooke Street became a focal point for Montreal’s competing visions for the future. While parts of the Golden Square Mile were preserved as emblems of Montreal’s architectural grandeur, other stretches saw the loss of row houses and greystone mansions. The tension between development and heritage on Sherbrooke St. reflected broader debates about preservation and progress during a pivotal era of transformation for Montreal.
The Exhibition
John Little: Montreal’s Heritage in Paint as the exhibition continues until September 28, 2025. For all inquiries, contact Craig Klinkhoff at 514-817-3170 or craig@klinkhoff.art
Château Ramezay - Historic Site and Museum of Montréal
280 Notre-Dame Street East
Montréal QC H2Y 1C5
Phone: (514) 861-3708
