B.C. Binning

Bertram Charles Binning (b. 10 February 1909 – d. 16 March 1976) was a Canadian artist, architect, and educator known for his contributions to modernist art in Vancouver. Born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Binning relocated to Vancouver at a young age where he began his artistic journey. He studied graphic arts at the Vancouver School of Arts under the tutelage of prominent artists such as Frederick Horsman Varley and Jock Williamson Galloway (JWG) Macdonald. His education extended to the Art Students League in New York and to London, England, where he studied with renowned modernist Henry Moore.

Coming from a family of architects, Binning’s artistic vision was also influenced by his work as an architectural draftsman. In 1940, he designed the Binning House located in West Vancouver, one of the earliest examples of modern architecture in the Vancouver area. His artistic style evolved over time, incorporating calligraphy-based forms, bright colours, and lyrical elements. Binning’s career in education began at the Vancouver School of Art, where he taught from 1939 to 1949. He then joined the University of British Columbia in 1949, where he became the founding head of the Fine Art Department in 1955. Additionally, he served as the Director and Curator of the department’s gallery. Binning’s impact on the Vancouver art scene was profound, as he introduced modernist ideas to generations of artists in the community.

While teaching, Binning continued to pursue his artistic practice, eventually stepping back from teaching in 1968 to focus more on his personal work. He held numerous solo exhibitions at venues such as the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Art Gallery of Toronto, and the Dominion Gallery in Montreal. His artworks are featured in major collections including the National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa), the Art Gallery of Ontario (Toronto), and the Vancouver Art Gallery. Binning’s legacy lives on as a pioneering figure in the Vancouver art scene, celebrated for his distinctive style and his dedication to both art and education.