Caption
Over forty hours of work will go into this Statuette of Virgin and Child being carved by Jean Bourgault. Jean and Medard Bourgault specialize in religious figures with an occasional frieze or bas-relief while third brother, Andre, satisfies the tourist demand for carvings.
Release Date
November 15, 1955
Materials
Typescript with illustrations
Photographers
Lund, ChrisCollection
CMCP fonds
Credit Line
Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography fonds, National Gallery of Canada Library and Archives
Caption
Reviving an ancient art has been the life work of Andre Bourgault, responsible for a community carving enterprise in tiny St. Jean Port Joli, P.Q. He has trained more than a score of apprentices; now employs 18 helpers who turn out more than 3000 varied articles each season in addition to his own larger carvings. While individual skills vary greatly from those who do rough shaping to the most meticulous craftsmen, almost everyone contributes in some way. Even the blacksmith takes part, hammering out the 100 different types of chisels needed.
Date
August 1, 1955
Accession Number
LAC-NFB74013
Materials
Black and white negative
Photographer
Enumber
e011176076
Collection
National Film Board of Canada
Credit Line
Library and Archives Canada, Mikan no. 205928
Caption
Habitant figurines which represent a fast-disappearing phase of French-Canadian life are Andre Bourgault's speciality. Widely renowned for the excellence of his craft, Andre uses only the simplest of tools -- knife, hammer and chisel. Above, at work on a large beggar figure.
Date
August 1, 1955
Accession Number
LAC-NFB74014
Materials
Black and white negative
Photographer
Enumber
e011176077
Collection
National Film Board of Canada
Credit Line
Library and Archives Canada, Mikan no. 205928
Caption
Correct, well-aged woods are vital to quality of carvings and native Canadian basswood, walnut, maple, cedar and birch are most widely used. Here, one of Andre Bourgault's helpers paints small Gaspean figures with bright color. Larger pieces are often left in natural wood.
Date
August 1, 1955
Accession Number
LAC-NFB74015
Materials
Black and white negative
Photographer
Enumber
e011176078
Collection
National Film Board of Canada
Credit Line
Library and Archives Canada, Mikan no. 205928
Caption
Carving is everyone's business in the village of St. Jean Port Joli on the banks of the St. Lawrence. Here, Andre Bourgault instructs his son, Guy, in the intricate detailing of a habitant farming group. Guy, now 13, has been carving smaller pieces since he was five years old.
Date
August 1, 1955
Accession Number
LAC-NFB74017
Materials
Black and white negative
Photographer
Enumber
e011176079
Collection
National Film Board of Canada
Credit Line
Library and Archives Canada, Mikan no. 205928
Image not available
Photostory #34: St. Jean Port Joli: Ancient Art of Woodcarving Flourishes
Photographers
Maker
National Film Board of Canada
Release Date
November 15, 1955
Collection
CMCP fonds
Credit Line
Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography fonds, National Gallery of Canada Library and Archives
Main Text
Over forty hours of work will go into this Statuette of Virgin and Child being carved by Jean Bourgault. Jean and Medard Bourgault specialize in religious figures with an occasional frieze or bas-relief while third brother, Andre, satisfies the tourist demand for carvings.
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