Photographs Donated to the West Vancouver Museum

In North America, the burgeoning post-war building boom saw a flourishing period of innovative modernist architecture, particularly on the West Coast, and a concurrent demand for photographers. The West Vancouver Museum gratefully acknowledges the donation of two major photographic archives from Selwyn Pullan and John Fulker, whose luminous photographs captured the work of many mid-century architects.

Selwyn Pullan photographed projects for British Columbia's leading architects from the mid-40s to the mid-70s, including Ron Thom, Fred Hollingsworth, Ned Pratt, Arthur Erickson, and Barry Downs. With many of their projects now demolished or altered beyond recognition, Pullan's archive forms a crucial record of this definitive architectural movement.

John Fulker's compelling architectural photographs first appeared in publications featuring modern design in the early 1960s. In subsequent decades, Fulker became a leading Canadian photographer through his intuitive approach to image-making. Fulker photographed projects in British Columbia, Canada, and internationally.

"We are delighted to be recognized by these two important photographers who have generously donated what represents their lifetime achievements to the Museum. These images help us to tell an important story of modern design here on the West Coast of Canada," says West Vancouver Museum director, Darrin Morrison. The donations, comprising approximately 30,000 negatives and transparencies, as well as  over 200 photographic prints, add to the Museum's growing collection and support the future growth of the institution. 

A selection of photographs by Pullan and Fulker will be included the Museum's upcoming exhibition, From the Inside Out: Integrating Art and Architecture on the West Coast, on view from June 27 to August 29, 2015. Curated by Kiriko Watanabe and designed by 10four Design Group, the exhibition showcases the legacy of influential mid-century artists and architects by illustrating the many connections between local artists, architects, and their clients.