William Henry Maxwell Collison
October 13 1911 - June 10 1996
groups
William H.M. Collison was born in Kincolith, on the north-west coast of the
B.C. mainland. His father John Maxwell Collison was born at Metlakatla, his
mother Mabel Wells was born in England. Interestingly, Walbran's British
Columbia Coast Names notes that Kincolith is a native
phrase meaning "place of scalps" and is named after the practice
of a "notorious" chief who used to nail his enemy's scalps onto trees in this
valley after returning from a raid on neighbouring tribes.
Walbran also has a half-page entry for Collison Bay on Moresby Island, which
was named after William Henry Collison, Venerable Archdeacon, apparently the
artist's grandfather, a missionary who lived at both Kincolith and Metlakatla.
Collison married Olive Barbara Evitt in Smithers on December 26, 1939. His
occupation was noted as "soldier" and he was living at the Barrett Point Barracks
in Prince Rupert. She was living in Prince Rupert, employed as a clerk.
He exhibited artwork in the 1944
B.C. Artists exhibition at the
Vancouver Art Gallery. The
artist was living in Vancouver.
Collison was living in Parksville when he died at Nanaimo Hospital in 1996. His
occupation was noted as "government agent." He was survived by his wife.
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
| DATE |
EXHIBITION |
ARTWORK |
|
|
|
| 1944 Sept. 23 - Oct. 22 |
VAG
B.C. Artists 13th Annual |
Late Evening Sun, Kitwanga |
References
BRITISH COLUMBIA COAST NAMES 1592 - 1906, by Captain John T. Walbran
Their Origins and History, With Maps and Illustrations
To which are added a few names in adjacent United States territory.
First published 1909. J.J. Douglas Ltd. facsimile reprinting 1971.
Published for the Vancouver Public Library. 546 pages, hardcover.
A classic compilation of geography, naval history, and exploration of the Northwest coast.
B.C. VITAL STATISTICS ON-LINE marriage, death
(refer to BCVS)
Clippings
HOME