Inuit art to be displayed at AGH

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A large collection of Inuit art, that was created by tuberculosis patients at the old Hamilton Mountain Sanatorium, has found a permanent home.

Hilda Ferrier began nursing at the Hamilton Mountain Sanatorium in 1952, the same year the first of more than 1200 Inuit patients were brought there for tuberculosis treatment.

“There were men, women and children, who were sent down from the north because there was a severe epidemic of tuberculosis in the north and the government was really afraid that the community would be decimated because the death rate was so high.”

Hilda is a spry 93 years old, but remembers vividly how scared the Inuit were.

“It was a very traumatic time. They didn’t speak any english, they were thrown into a situation they didn’t comprehend and it took them awhile to acclimatize themselves.”

The women sewed elaborate dolls, but the men had nothing to do. That was until a doctor brought them soapstone to work with.

“It changed the morale- absolutely improved. It was something they knew, could do, talk about with each other.”

The Inuit sold many of their carvings to staff. Hilda has a small collection herself.

These belong to two friends who’s mothers both worked at the sanatorium. These were bought from the patients. They used to sell them for very little money.”

A collection of 132 pieces, mostly carvings, had been on display at various Hamilton Health Sciences buildings, but was recently purchased by a local philanthropist and donated to the Art Gallery of Hamilton.

“The collection that many of the patients made in hospital are extraordinary for their simplicity, elegance, and window they provide of course into Inuit life.” said Art Gallery of Hamilton CEO Shelley Falconer.

The entire collection, which is valued at more than $300,000, will be made into an exhibit next year.