Owen Staples House and Studio 1904

Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted July, 2008

Photo Source - Wikimedia Commons

Here, at 69 Hogarth Avenue, is a 2008 Riverdale Historical Society / Heritage Toronto plaque which says:

Plaque coordinates: 43.673823 -79.352403

This house was designed by Owen Staples, with artist and friend C.W. Jefferys, as a studio and home for Staples and his family. Born in England in 1866 and arriving in Toronto as a child, Staples became a well-known artist, as well as cartoonist and long-time illustrator for John Ross Robertson and his Evening Telegram. Staples' vast body of work, rich with historical illustrations of Toronto, is now preserved in major public and private collections. Also a member for 55 years of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Staples was a vital part of Toronto's arts community and shared its interest in the Arts and Crafts Movement - reflected in the design of his home. Constructed by C.W. Jefferys' father from assorted Don Valley brick (assembled from rejected stock), this house is defined by a double-height "great room" that served as both studio and living area. Well-lit by the front window and warmed by an inglenook fireplace, the room was a favourite gathering place for a lively cross-section of Toronto society. Owen Staples died in 1949.

Related Toronto plaques
C.W. Jefferys 1869-1951
John Ross Robertson

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Arts

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Posted April 16, 2010
Very interesting! I lived at 60 Hampton just around the corner and took piano lessons in that studio from Owen Staples' daughter in the early 50's. My mother left me some of Owen Staples' original work. Margaret Rosser Watson

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