Exhibition Spotlight: The New York Times Canadian Photo Archive

Located in the heart of Downtown Markham, the Toronto Marriott Markham hotel towers above streets, a testament to innovation and luxury. Apart from its stunning views and high-quality amenities, the Toronto Marriott Markham also houses a piece of history: The New York Times Canadian Photo Archive.

Entrance to the Toronto Marriott Markham, image courtesy of the Remington Group

Based in the United States, The New York Times has led American news coverage for decades. However, their global team keeps a close eye on Canada, devoting resources and journalists to cataloguing Canada’s complex modern history. Archived photos and papers from The New York Times can be notoriously difficult to pinpoint and gain access to, so displaying these photographs gives visitors a rare opportunity to gain insight into the editorial process.

For the inaugural exhibition at the Toronto Marriott Markham, curators selected key photos from the New York Times Canadian Photo Archive for display. The Canadian Photo Archive is owned by the Rudolph P. Bratty Family Foundation, generous patrons of art and culture. The Archive contains more than 24,000 photographs, all depicting Canada’s landscape, history, and people. Many of the photographs date back to the 1800s, preserving moments in history on film. Although the Toronto Marriott Markham’s collection does not display all 24,000 images, the photographs selected are original prints from New York Times editorial meetings. Many of the photographs and prints available for view in the hotel still contain the original markings, footnotes, and captions from their editors, preserving the journalistic and national consciousness. Newspaper clippings, scuffed footnotes, and hasty marks open a window into these editors’ artistic and practical decisions as they utilized news media to craft a story.

The photographs provided by the Rudolph P. Bratty Family Foundation lead guests through the hotel, winding from the Main Lobby to Salon A to the Boardrooms throughout the hotel. They are grouped according to a theme, constructing a comprehensive narrative of Canada’s history. Each photograph is combined with a plaque detailing its contents, original date, and markings.

Reference Map, image courtesy of the Remington Group

Hall of Canadian Royalty

The Hall of Canadian Royalty features iconic photographs of some of Canada’s most recognizable names on the ground floor. A 1951 photo of Queen Elizabeth II dancing hands next to Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe’s candid portrait exemplifies Canada’s finest.

Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe (July 5, 1978). Image courtesy of The Remington Group.

Toronto Landmarks

Arranged on the third floor by The Remington Group, a collection of photographs captures the excitement of developing Toronto. The high energy community mirrors the rapid development of Downtown Markham, a celebration of progress and innovation.

Casa Loma (May 7, 1950). Images courtesy of The Remington Group.

Nathan Philips Square (April 15, 1984); Toronto Dominion Centre (December 31, 1984). Images courtesy of The Remington Group.

Canadian Military

The Bradburn Ballroom on the third floor sheds light on Canadian military operations in the twentieth-century. Images dating back to World War I capture capture global tensions at play and Canada's unique role as peacekeeper.

Canadian Soldiers at the Front (October 16, 1916). Image courtesy of The Remington Group.

Sport in Canada

In the Rouge East Meeting Room, the Archive highlights Canada’s sports prowess. Images of athletic grandeur and iconic competition line the walls, highlighting some of Canada’s most defining moments in sports.

Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston and Roberto Alomar (August 5, 1993); Paul Henderson (October 1, 1972). Images courtesy of The Remington Group.

Canadians in the Arts

Canada’s rich artistic and cultural heritage is globally recognized, and the Archive features quite a few iconic pop culture moments. From Jim Carrey to Neil Young, there are quite a few recognizable faces.

Neil Young at Madison Square Garden (February 6, 1991). Image courtesy of The Remington Group.

In addition to the wonderful journey through Canadian history it provides, the Toronto Marriott Markham is the perfect place to stay when visiting Markham. Located not far from the Pride of Canada Carousel and plenty of amenities, visitors leave wanting more.

Toronto Subway (date unspecified). Image courtesy of The Remington Group.

For more information on the New York Times Canadian Photo Archive, please visit https://downtownmarkham.ca/community/art/new-york-times-canadian-photo-archive/.

For further information and booking availability at the Toronto Marriott Markham, please visit https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yyzmr-toronto-marriott-markham/

Arts Help is proudly supported by The Remington Group.