LABEL
Datec. 1881
Geography
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Dimensions24 x 10.5 cm (9 7/16 x 4 1/8 in.)
Object numberHF.70.424.1
DescriptionRectangular paper product label for "Canoe Cove Lobsters". The multi-coloured design is horizontally oriented and split into two sections. The left side design is two lobsters rowing a canoe on the open water with clouds in the background. The lobsters are framed inside a thin blue outer border and a thicker red inner border which spreads into fretwork top corners. The company name is printed in white inside a curved navy banner. Two lines from a poem by Epes Sargent are printed along the bottom of the label. the right side design has a yellow background with the same thin blue border. Product, location and company owner information is printed in multi-coloured around a central monogram of William Critchlow Harris's initials. The number "202" had been handwritten on the reverse of label.
Narrative
For about a year between 1880-1881, a lobster canning factory located in Canoe Cove was owned by famed Maritime architect William Critchlow Harris and operated by his father, also William Critchlow Harris. The younger Critchlow Harris purchased the factory for his father to run. The elder Critchlow Harris had a reputation for never being too long at one profession. Operating the lobster factory did not break the elder's pattern and by the fall of 1881, the factory was sold.
It would seem that the younger William used his natural artistic talents to create product labels for the expected canned lobster. This isn't the only artwork for canned lobster created by William but his true legacy is his numerous buildings that feature throughout the Maritimes.
It would seem that the younger William used his natural artistic talents to create product labels for the expected canned lobster. This isn't the only artwork for canned lobster created by William but his true legacy is his numerous buildings that feature throughout the Maritimes.
Collections
Canadian
Canadian