Etching

Late 19th century etching depicting The Old Curiosity Shop immortalized by Charles Dickens in his novel by the same name. Signed by artist at the bottom left. Double matted in a red and gold wooden frame.

Edward J. Cherry (FSRA) was born in St. Albans, England on July 4, 1886 to Edward and Anne Cherry. The Cherry's had six children - Frank, Emily, Arthur Leonard, Edward, Annie B.M. and Wilfred G. Edward and one of his brothers, Arthur, trained at their father’s photographic and framing business, and would both go on to be well-known etchers and painters. Edward immigrated to Canada in 1907, and worked as a picture framer in Vancouver. In 1911, Edward was one half of Seip & Cherry picture framers at 1175 14th Ave E. Edward appears to go out on his own as a picture framer in 1913, and then works as a picture framer at Spencer’s from 1914-1915. On August 15, 1915, Edward married Frances Heskett in Vancouver. Shortly thereafter, he enlists in the 103rd Battalion Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force (CEF) on November 18, 1915. According to his Attestation Paper, Edward was living in Victoria when he enlisted and Frances was at their home 1354 E 15th Avenue, Vancouver. He lists his occupation as a Builder. The papers provide a description of Edward, listing his height at 5’7 ½” with a fresh complexion, brown eyes and dark hair. The Battalion was authorized on December 22, 1915 and embarked for Britain on July 23, 1916 where they reinforced the Canadian Corps in the field until January 7, 1917. The Battalion was absorbed by the 16th Reserve Battalion CEF, which disbanded on September 1, 1917. After being exposed to poison gas, Edward spent two years in a military hospital in France. While recuperating, he was encouraged to amuse himself with pen and ink as part of his therapy. He was reported as ‘roaming the hospital grounds sketching every possible angle and point of interest that he could find.’ His sketches were gifted to doctors and nurses, who took them to a local art emporium for framing. The store owner became interested in obtaining more of Edward’s sketches for his business. Corporal Cherry was discharged from the Canadian army in 1920. He is not listed in the BC Directories from 1916 to 1930. Although unusual for the time, it seems possible that for at least a period he was living and working on both sides of the Atlantic. In 1928, Edward was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and he gave his address as 303 St. Margaret’s Road, Twickenham. From 1931 to 1935, Edward was listed in the BC Directories as living and working in Vancouver as an artist. According to his obituary, Edward returned to Canada in 1939 to open his own studio. During this time, he also worked for Boyles Brothers Drilling Company, and then later for Pumps and Power. In 1948, he retired. Edward passed away on May 26, 1960 from cancer at the age of 73 years. Lance Corporal Edward J. Cherry was buried in the Field of Honour in Normandy.

H 10.125 in. x W 10.625 in. x D 0.625 in.

H 5.5 in. x W 6.5 in.