Elizabeth Lefort
Elizabeth Lefort | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1914 Point Cross, Canada |
| Died | 2005 (aged 90–91) Chéticamp, Canada |
| Known for | Tapestry |
| Spouse | Kenneth Hansford |
| Awards | Order of Canada (1987) |
Elizabeth Lefort CM (1914–2005) was a Canadian tapestry artist of Acadian descent, known for replicating photographs including portraits.[1]
Biography
[edit | edit source]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
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