Elizabeth Lefort

Elizabeth Lefort (1914–2005) is a Canadian tapestry artist, known for replicating photographs including portraits.[1]

Elizabeth Lefort
Born1914 (1914)
Point Cross, Canada
Died2005 (aged 9091)
Chéticamp, Canada
NationalityCanadian
Known forTapestry
Spouse(s)Kenneth Hansford
AwardsOrder of Canada (1987)

Biography

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]

References

  1. Sanchini, Laura (2010). "Elizabeth LeFort: Canada's Artist in Wool/L'artiste canadienne de la laine. (book Review)". Material Culture Review. 72 (Fall). Archived from the original on 2 May 2018. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
  2. "Lefort, Elizabeth". Canadian Women Artists History Initiative. Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
  3. "Élizabeth LeFort". Les Trois Pignons. La Société Saint-Pierre. Archived from the original on 13 November 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
  4. "Hooking". Arts North. Archived from the original on 13 November 2017. Retrieved 12 November 2017.
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