Regeneration, 1938. Plaster, gilding. Overall: 45 × 17.3 × 20.5 cm (17 11/16 × 6 13/16 × 8 1/16 in). Purchase , with funds from The Sculpture Fund, 2025.
One of Canada’s first modernist sculptors, Elizabeth Wyn Wood (1903-1966) became known for her sculptures and public monuments, influenced by ancient Egyptian art and the Canadian landscape. Despite her position at the forefront of modern sculpture in Canada, Wood's works, like those of other women sculptors, were not viewed as a priority to collect or to exhibit.
Although Regeneration was exhibited several times, it was designed as a maquette for a monument competition. Historically, these types of plaster process pieces were rarely collected by institutions.
In March 2026, the AGO opened a focus exhibition of Elizabeth Wyn Wood drawn from the permanent collection, that will be on view indefinitely. This is the first focused exhibition of Wood's work at the AGO since her dual exhibition with Sybil Kennedy in 1955. Wood's exhibition coincides with Remade: Clay, Plaster, Stone, an exhibition drawn from the estates of fellow sculptors and friends, Frances Loring and Florence Wyle.
[image 3: Wood nomination record of letter from Florence Wyle to Herbert S. Palmer, who was the Secretary of the RCA at the time] Florence Wyle proposed Elizabeth Wyn Wood to become a full member of the RCA in 1948. To propose an Associate member for full membership, you had to be a full member yourself (the full member title is Academician). Florence was the first woman sculptor to become an Academician and only the fourth women ever elected to full member status (the first was Charlotte Schreiber in 1880, then Marion Long in 1933, Lilias Torrance Newton in 1937, then Florence in 1938). It says:
July 24 - 1948
Dear Herbert,
I got this back from Hébert this morning + am sending it to Elizabeth Wyn Wood for her signature. I think all of the sculptors feel that she is the outstanding artist not [a] present an academician. So it is with great pleasure that I propose her and Mr. Hébert says "I am very glad indeed to second the nomination."
Sincerely
Florence Wyle
Regeneration, 1938. Plaster, gilding. Overall: 45 × 17.3 × 20.5 cm (17 11/16 × 6 13/16 × 8 1/16 in). Purchase , with funds from The Sculpture Fund, 2025.
One of Canada’s first modernist sculptors, Elizabeth Wyn Wood (1903-1966) became known for her sculptures and public monuments, influenced by ancient Egyptian art and the Canadian landscape. Despite her position at the forefront of modern sculpture in Canada, Wood's works, like those of other women sculptors, were not viewed as a priority to collect or to exhibit.
Although Regeneration was exhibited several times, it was designed as a maquette for a monument competition. Historically, these types of plaster process pieces were rarely collected by institutions.
In March 2026, the AGO opened a focus exhibition of Elizabeth Wyn Wood drawn from the permanent collection, that will be on view indefinitely. This is the first focused exhibition of Wood's work at the AGO since her dual exhibition with Sybil Kennedy in 1955. Wood's exhibition coincides with Remade: Clay, Plaster, Stone, an exhibition drawn from the estates of fellow sculptors and friends, Frances Loring and Florence Wyle.
[image 3: Wood nomination record of letter from Florence Wyle to Herbert S. Palmer, who was the Secretary of the RCA at the time] Florence Wyle proposed Elizabeth Wyn Wood to become a full member of the RCA in 1948. To propose an Associate member for full membership, you had to be a full member yourself (the full member title is Academician). Florence was the first woman sculptor to become an Academician and only the fourth women ever elected to full member status (the first was Charlotte Schreiber in 1880, then Marion Long in 1933, Lilias Torrance Newton in 1937, then Florence in 1938). It says:
July 24 - 1948
Dear Herbert,
I got this back from Hébert this morning + am sending it to Elizabeth Wyn Wood for her signature. I think all of the sculptors feel that she is the outstanding artist not [a] present an academician. So it is with great pleasure that I propose her and Mr. Hébert says "I am very glad indeed to second the nomination."
Sincerely
Florence Wyle
