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Museum Studies Grads Examine Local Graffiti

Submitted on Wednesday, January 06, 2016

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Two Master of Museum Studies (MMSt) students from the Faculty of Information, University of Toronto, Shannon Todd (2013) and Bruce Beaton (2013), have recently published a chapter in a well-regarded publication, Understanding Graffiti, based on an exhibition project they undertook as part of their degree, examined graffiti preserved at Toronto’s Brick Works(link is external), also known as the Evergreen Brickworks. The project focused on the graffiti as an integral part of the heritage of the site by creating a self-guided tour.

Brick Works is a former quarry and industrial site located in the Don River Valley. The Don Brick Works operated for nearly 100 years and provided bricks used to construct many well-known Toronto landmarks, such as Casa Loma, Osgoode Hall, Massey Hall, and the Ontario Legislature.

Shannon and Bruce say their motivation for exploring this site was borne out of a need to tell a lost story and fill in historical gaps.

In Bruce’s words, “We were motivated to see if we could use this graffiti to tell the story of that era of the site, an era that accounts for about a fifth of the history of what happened there.” Shannon agreed saying, “I loved the idea that these words on the wall, even the little tags, are actually telling the story of people and of the development of a city.” She continues, “I wanted to facilitate the understanding of the importance of what is there.”

Despite their motivation, there were difficulties to solve. “Connecting with the graffiti community was incredibly difficult. We were outsiders coming to talk to them about something that is illegal and, in a way, a very private mode of communication. Graffiti has its own language and its own rules – it is not meant to be inclusive,” Shannon says.

Bruce and Shannon were able to overcome the obstacles. “The most fascinating thing I discovered while doing this research is that the graffiti at the Evergreen Brickworks is the only graffiti in Ontario that has an official heritage designation,” says Bruce. “The Ontario Heritage Trust has an easement on the site and their Baseline Documentation Report of the heritage components of the abandoned brickworks includes the graffiti that is found there.”

Shannon was fascinated that in addition to holding raves and parties while the site was abandoned, it was also used for pig roasts.

Although no longer part of an organized tour, the exhibition can still be seen on one of the kilns on site, and visitors are welcome to do their own tour.

About the Curators

Shannon is the Assistant Curator of Campbell House Museum where she has been conducting research on a topics relating to the early 19th century in the Town of York, including architecture, home décor, modes of transportation, and the roles of widows in society. Her most significant project was a redecoration of several spaces at Campbell House Museum, ensuring historical accuracy.

Bruce works for both Mackenzie House Museum and Campbell House Museum. One of his most significant past projects was for Mackenzie House where he completed  mini-exhibit regarding how Mackenzie is portrayed in popular culture.

Both Shannon and Bruce would like to express their gratitude and thanks to Professor Matt Brower, Professor Cara Krmpotich, James Gen Meers, David Stonehouse, Anthony Westenberg, Melissa Yu, and Zion, all of whom made significant contributions and lasting impressions on both students. They would further like to acknowledge the support of their classmates in the Museum Studies program.

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