November 11, 2024
CBC Television, "The Early Edition"
Interview with Blair Ketcheson and profile of the ‘Portraits of an Icon’ project. Filmed at the Bay Street Armoury, and aired on Remembrance Day 2024.
< < < Watch : "Vimy Ridge honoured in photography exhibition" > > >
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
November 6, 2024
Exhibition : Bay Street Armoury, 715 Bay Street, Victoria, BC. Nov 6 - 11, 2024
The Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary's) is pleased to host an exhibition of the "Portraits of an Icon" photographs November 6 - 11, 2024.
An opening presentation will be given by Blair Ketcheson and will include stories and archival images about remarkable personalities and events connecting Victoria to Vimy. (Nov 6, 1:00 - 3:00 PM)
Open to the public, the exhibition will be held in the 'Currie Room', named after General Sir Arthur Currie, the first Canadian commander of the Canadian Corps in WWI, and a member of The Canadian Scottish Regiment.
Exhibition dates/hours : Nov 6 - 11, 1:00 - 6:00 PM
Free to the public. Everyone is welcome.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
November 4, 2024
CBC Radio, "On The Coast" : Interview
Gregor Craigie spoke with photographer Blair Ketcheson, about the upcoming Vimy Memorial photographic exhibit, called ‘Portraits of an Icon’
< < < Listen here : www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-48/clip/16106159 > > >
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
June 24, 2024
Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, 110th Anniversary, Edmonton, Alberta
The Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry was founded in 1914, and were the first Canadians engaged in combat action in WWI. They fought and took casualties at Vimy Ridge as well as many other battles and theatres in that war. The Patricia's have seen action in many conflicts since, and continue to provide critical roles in situations around the world, including currently training Ukrainian troops for combat in their struggle with Russia.
At the invitation of the PPCLI, an exhibition of the 'Portraits' photographs was mounted as part of their 110th Anniversary, June 19/20, 2024.
The Right Honorable Adrienne Clarkson, PPCLI Colonel-in-Chief, was presented with a framed print of 'Mother Canada'. Her interest and wise perspectives regarding the significance of the Vimy Memorial, as well as the 'Portraits' exhibition, were personal and moving.
< < < Read : Mme Clarkson's comments on the 'Portraits of an Icon' exhibition > > >
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
April 13, 2024
The Fugitives' "Over the Ridge" Premiere, Massey Theatre, New Westminster, BC
The Juno-nominated folk/roots band "The Fugitives" premiered the latest version of their extraordinary musical/theatre production "Ridge", this time in collaboration with Ballet BC.
"Ridge" is a musical storytelling show recounting experiences and songs written by Canadian soldiers during the Battle of Vimy Ridge. It was named a Globe & Mail 'Top Arts Pick of the Year' in 2020, and its companion album "Trench Songs" was nominated for a Juno Award.
Brendan and the band generously displayed a selection of the "Portraits of an Icon" prints in the lobby of the theatre during this premiere.
< < < Visit : "The Fugitives" website > > >
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
April 9, 2024
"Vimy Ridge Day", Trafalgar ProPatria Legion, Victoria, BC
On the 108th Anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, a laser-projection presentation of the history of the Vimy Memorial, including the 'Portraits' photographs, was presented at the Trafalgar ProPatria Legion in Victoria, BC. This included archival images of the paintings of Mary Riter Hamilton, the Victoria artist who painted in the battlefields immediately after the Armistice in 1919. Also included were archival photographs of the battle, the construction the monument, and other history of Vimy up to the present day.
From the organizers :
"His photographs were beautiful, moving and even poignant at times."
"However, his presentation was much more than beautiful photographs. It was Blair's storytelling through the presentation of his photographs that brought many into the events that took place during the war and reconstruction process. The event was very well attended, and the responses from our members and guests were highly positive and emotive."
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
April 7, 2024
"Remembering Vimy", Victoria Times Colonist
The Victoria Times Colonist published an 8-page feature article showcasing the 'Portraits' photographs and story. Included were interviews, including comments on the photographs, with Douglas Paterson, a member of the Vimy Memorial Restoration Advisory Committee, and James Kempling, PhD, retired Colonel of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
Written by Grania Litwin
Excerpt :
"The First World War Battle of Vimy Ridge is legendary in this country. It took place on April 9, 1917, when 100,000 young Canadian soldiers stormed the ridge in northern France, ...
< < < Read : Full article > > >
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
March 7, 2024
Institute for Global Solutions : Claremont High School, Victoria, BC
"The Institute for Global Solutions" program started in September 2012 at Claremont Secondary School and is all about helping students dive into big global issues. The project-based curriculum gives them the tools and experiences to tackle problems like poverty, food production, urbanization, and sustainable energy."
Blair Ketcheson delivered a one hour laser-projection presentation on the history of Vimy, including the battle, the construction of the Memorial, its history through WWII, and up to the present. Featuring archival photographs as well as the 'Portraits' photographs, and woven with stories of soldiers and others involved, the presentation was captivating for the students and elicited lively questions and discussions afterwards.
< < < Visit : "Institute for Global Solutions" website > > >
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -