The Maltwood Collection

This collection of fine, decorative and applied arts is the bequest of English sculptress and antiquarian, Katherine Emma Maltwood, F.R.S.A. (1878-1961). The collection ranges from Oriental ceramics, costumes and rugs to 17th century English furniture, Canadian paintings and Katharine Maltwood's own sculptures.

The University Fine Art Collection

Since its institution in 1953 under the tenure of Dr. W.H. Hickman, Principal of Victoria College (1953-1963), this collection has grown to over 6000 items representing the work of contemporary Western Canadian artists, particularly those of British Columbia.

Description of the Maltwood Art Museum & Gallery's Collections

1. Western Canadian Contemporary Fine and Craft Arts: over 600 objects, including works by Emily Carr, Pat Martin Bates, Myfanwy Pavelic, Herbert Siebner, Elza Mayhew, Katharine Maltwood, Bob de Castro, and other major artists. Collection includes paintings, sculpture, prints and other media.

2. Northwest Coast Aboriginal Art: historical and contemporary pieces of the Kwakiutl, Nootka, Salish, and Haida nations. Artists include Art Thompson, Mungo Martin, Roy Vickers, and the Hunt family. Collection encompasses ivory, argelite, wood carvings; contemporary fine art; prints; weavings; basketry; and the Rickard Collection (one of the largest collections of Northwest Coast prints).

3. Oriental Decorative Arts: collection ranges from 600 AD to the present, including Wei, Ming, Tang, Sung, Han, Ch'ing dynasties; bowls, cases, figures, adornments, in soapstone, ceramic, jade, wood earthenware, crystal, glass.Antique oriental carpet collection, with specimens drawn from Middle and Far East.

4. European Decorative Art: collection ranges from 1500 to the present; chinaware, including a large collection of tea settings, Wedgewood pieces (18th century to the present); 17th century oak furniture; 19th century paintings.

5. European and American Decorative Arts : concentrations in late 19th and early 20th centuries, encompassing Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements. Utilitarian items in a variety of media, including silver, copper, pewter, brass, and glassware.

6. Pre-Columbian Artifacts from Central America: One of Canada's largest collections, spanning over 3000 years. Drawn primarily from Costa Rica and Panama, it includes works of ceramic, stone, jade, and gold.

7. Musical Instrument Collection: spans the 18th to the 20th centuries, representing a range of international cultures; large representation of wind instruments, by makers such as Milstone, Astor, Cha