Elizabeth Lefort

Elizabeth Lefort was born in 1914 in Point Cross, Nova Scotia.[2] In 1926 at the age of 12 she left school to begin her career and bring in needed income for her family.[3] Lefort learned the craft of rug hooking from her mother.[2] This craft has strong roots in Cape Breton.[4]

Lefort showed particular proficiency and around 1940 began following her own vision of design, by meticulously copying a postcard she received from her brother in England.[3] Not only was the rug an artistic success, it sold for a higher price than the more traditional designs.[3] To achieve the desired effect, Lefort dyed the wool she used to the specific colors she wanted.[2]

Lefort continued her work, championed by owner of a local crafts store, Kenneth Hansford, and she became the artist-in-residence at the Paul Pix Boutique in Margaree Harbour, Nova Scotia. Lefort and Hansford eventually married.[3][2]

In 1957 Lefort completed a tapestry portrait of U.S. President Eisenhower which was presented to the White House.[3][2]

Lefort continued producing portraits and also often used religious subjects, including a tapestry reproduction of da Vinci's Last Supper.[1]

In 1975 she received an honorary Docteur ès lettres from the Université de Moncton. In 1987 she was appointed a member of the Order of Canada.[2]

Lafort died in 2005 in Chéticamp, Nova Scotia.[2]