The Nicholas Morant fonds consists of Morant's freelance work from his early days with the Winnipeg Free Press to his retirement from the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1981. It is national in scope and also includes some international material. The fonds is comprised of three series: I. Photograp…
Nicholas Everard Morant, 1910-1999, was a professional photographer based at Banff, Alberta, Canada. He was a Canadian commercial photographer of international repute and Canada's premier railway photographer of the 20th century.
Morant was born at Kamloops, British Columbia, the son of Francis and Mollie Morant. After attending the University School at Victoria, Morant served as Special Photographer to the CPR from 1929 to 1935 and again from 1944 to 1981. From 1935 to 1939, he was a cameraman for the Winnipeg Free Press, and from 1940 to 1944 worked with the Wartime Information Branch of the federal government (later to be known as the National Film Board Stills Division).
Morant had a prolific career as a freelance commercial, portrait, magazine, landscape and documentary photographer. His work appeared in numerous books and magazines, including Time, Life, Liberty, Saturday Evening Post, (Toronto) Star Weekly, Northern Sportsman, Reader's Digest, Country Guide, The Standard, National Home Monthly, Canadian Photography, Outdoor Canada, National Geographic, the Globe & Mail, Winnipeg Tribune, New York Daily News, and the two Canadian Pacific Railway magazines, The Spanner and Rail News.
Two wartime images were featured on postage stamps, while three landscape views appeared on Canadian $10, $50 and $100 bills. His images were also used for corporate annual reports, postcards, brochures, calendars and advertisements. From the 1950s to 1980s Morant gave public slide shows of his work, two of the most popular being "A Talk Without Words" and "The World At Your Feet".
Morant married Ivy May "Willie" Young in 1936 when he was a photographer with the Winnipeg Free Press. Beginning in 1929, and until the end of her life, Morant's travelling and working companion was his wife, "Willie," 1910-1986.
Scope & Content
The Nicholas Morant fonds consists of Morant's freelance work from his early days with the Winnipeg Free Press to his retirement from the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1981. It is national in scope and also includes some international material. The fonds is comprised of three series: I. Photography; II. Professional records; III. Personal and family records.
I. Photography series consists of: A. Negatives and transparencies, B. Transparencies, C. Prints, D. Other photographs. II. Professional records series consists of: A. Working records, B. Career records, C. Topical files. III. Personal and family records series consists of: A. Nick and Willie Morant, B. Nick Morant funeral and memorial, C. Francis and Mollie Morant, D. Collected material
Notes
Full summary of sub-sub-series levels:
I / A : 1) Darkroom Files [ a) Negative Albums b) Black/White Series I and II c) Colour Series I and II
d) Leica Negs ]
2) GD Files
I / B : 1) Presentations [ a) Topical Files b) Thematic Files ]
2) General Files
3) Other
I / C : 1) Print Files
I / D : 1) Exhibition and Display Prints
2) Photographs used by John Garden
3) Other Photographs
II / A : 1) Log Books
2) Notebooks
II / B : 1) Career Binders [ a) Postcards b) Brochures and Advertising c) clippings and articles
d) Calendar Photographs ]
2) Scrapbooks [ a) Content 1933 - 1946 b) Content 1940 - 1980 ]
II / C : 1) Numbered / Titled Files [ a) Group A b) Group B c) Group C d) Group D e) Group H
f) Group P g) Group R ]
2) Other Topical Files [ a) Railway; i) Timetables ii) Publications iii) Other
b) Photography; i) Textual Records ii) Print Material
c) Travel d) Exhibitions and Galleries e)Personal f) Other ]
3) Postcards, Greeting Cards and Ephemera Collection
4) Published Images and Text
5) Professional Photography
6) Promotional Items, Awards and Correspondence
7) Presentation and Interview Materials
III / A : 1) Correspondence
2) Personal Papers [ a) Personal Records b) Notes and Notebooks c) Lists and Card Files
d) Awards and Retirement ]
3) Personal Photographs
4) House Records [ a) Construction b) Household Records ]
5) Business, Financial and Legal Papers
6) Interviews, Reminiscences Personal Recordings
7) Other Records (Signs, Cartoons, Drawings, etc.)
8) Personal Correspondence and Notes
9) Travel Documents and Maps
III / B : 1) Nick Morant Funeral, Memorial and Estate
III / C : 1) Mollie Morant Papers
2) Other Family Papers
III / D : 1) Sound Recordings
2) Biographical Material
3) Other Papers and Photographs [ a) Burton Wheatley Family b) Other ]
4) Personal and Family Photography
5) Personal Interest and Gifts
File consists of 2 posters printed (colour) on construction paper, advertising "A Talk Without Words" presentation by Nicholas and Ivy Morant. Posters have mostly identical texts, with variation in bottom text describing the location/date/time of presentation (one says "Ballroom Wednesday 8:30 P.M.…
"A Talk Without Words" was a sideshow presentation with musical accompaniment featuring Nicholas and Ivy Morant's professional and travel photography. The presentations were put on around the 1960's, and continued for about 15 years.
Scope & Content
File consists of 2 posters printed (colour) on construction paper, advertising "A Talk Without Words" presentation by Nicholas and Ivy Morant. Posters have mostly identical texts, with variation in bottom text describing the location/date/time of presentation (one says "Ballroom Wednesday 8:30 P.M.", two say "The Ballroom Sunday 9:00 P.M").
Notes
2 copies originally came from set of 52 and were selected for processing. The other 50 copies are currently in oversize storage with other non-annotated items from Nicholas Morant accession #7784 (upstairs vault).
Storage Range
In file box M300 / II / C / 6 / 1 to M300 / II / C / 6 / 8
& M300 / II / C / 6 / 70 to 72
File consists of 2 colour poster prints, paper, depicting copies of famous art pieces (previously framed and used as decorations in the Banff Springs Hotel), and one b&w poster of a steam train. Content pertains to paintings 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' by Vermeer and 'La Divina Commedia di Dante' b…
File consists of 2 colour poster prints, paper, depicting copies of famous art pieces (previously framed and used as decorations in the Banff Springs Hotel), and one b&w poster of a steam train. Content pertains to paintings 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' by Vermeer and 'La Divina Commedia di Dante' by Domenico di Michelino; also train image with faded print effect by Midwestern Rail Association.
Notes
Painting reprint posters were stored together in a cardboard poster tube with the following text labels on the outside:
"NICHOLAS MORANT BOX 1288 BANFF, ALBERTA CANADA"
"OLD BSH PRINTS. BSH HOTEL - II Bldg."
"O.H.M.S. FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR CANADIAN NATIONAL PARKS BRANCH OTTAWA, CANADA"
'J.C. Campbell, Esq., c/o Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Alberta."
(Handwritten): "These prints were originally exquisitely framed for use in rooms, suites and public rooms at the B.S.H."
"OLD B.S.H. PRINTS includes PIX of 'II' Hotel"
Train poster stored in poster tube labelled "DRAWINGS more to come (1, 2, 3)" with shipping address label: "Reed-Grove Ltd. 2111 East Avenue Rochester, New York 14610" "To Mr. + Mrs. Nichlas (sic) Morant Box 1288, Banff Alberta Canada".
Customs label: "PARCEL POST CUSTOMS DECLARATION - UNITED STATES OF AMERICA QTY: 1 DETAILED LIST OF CONTENTS: DRAWINGS VALUE (US $): 10 FIRST CLASS"
File consists of 24 large printed posters, colour. Content pertains to promotional tourism imagery produced by Nicholas Morant, depicting various Canadian landscapes and sights. Most of posters depict regions in or close to the Rocky Mountains, with additional images featuring areas in Nova Scotia …
File consists of 24 large printed posters, colour. Content pertains to promotional tourism imagery produced by Nicholas Morant, depicting various Canadian landscapes and sights. Most of posters depict regions in or close to the Rocky Mountains, with additional images featuring areas in Nova Scotia and Quebec and some which do not mention locations in their titles.
Notes
Items originally stored together in large poster tube, labelled :
"Montreal Quebec - 8 I '63 Canada Postage 15 [cents]"
"Mr. Nick Morant, P.O. Box 1288, Banff, Alberta. Department of Publc Relations Canadian Pacific Railway Company Windsor Station - Montreal 3, Quebec"
"OLD CP VIEWS - Kodaks - "
"CP Airline Plane / Chateau Frontenac / Sulphur Mt. Skyline View / Evangeline Church / Kick. Horse - Mt. Field / Kick Horse Canyon with Train / Empress Hotel / BS Hotel from Sulphur Mt. / Quebec Windmills / Yoho Valley Hi-Line Trail / Peggy's Cove / Thompson River View / Moraine Lake Scenic / Icefields / Yoho Valley / Lake Louise / Lake O'Hara / 'Canadian' Stoney Cr. / Freight nr. Lake Louise / Empress of Britain (painting)"
Storage Range
In oversize storage as V500 / II / C / 6 / PA - 14 O.S. to V500 / II / C / 6 / PA - 37 O.S.
File consists of 9 promotional posters (colour) for Canadian Pacific. Content pertains to images of different locations within the Canadian Rockies with the specific location listed below each photograph. Images produced by Nicholas Morant for purpose of promoting tourism to Western Canada. Feature…
File consists of 9 promotional posters (colour) for Canadian Pacific. Content pertains to images of different locations within the Canadian Rockies with the specific location listed below each photograph. Images produced by Nicholas Morant for purpose of promoting tourism to Western Canada. Featured locations include Mt. Eisenhower, Mt. Rundle, and Moraine Lake; also images of a freight train travelling around Morant's Curve near Lake Louise, and 'The Canadian' train (close-up) turning a corner after crossing a bridge.
Notes
Originally stored together with June 1961 calendar, which has been moved to storage with other calendars under same sub-series. Items were kept in brown paper packaging, labelled:
"116 Old CPR Poster Scenics
Canadian - Stoney Creek
Freight - Diesel M-113
Moraine Lake Scenics 2x
Transport Truck
Vermillion Lake Scenic"
"Lou K 116"
"From: C.P. Windsor Station MONTREAL"
"Mr. Nick Morant c/o STATION AGENT BANFF, ALBERTA" (writing scribbled over with marker)
Items in this file are not to be accessed or distributed without the explicit permission of their identified copyright owners.
Reproduction Restrictions
Items in this file are not to be reproduced without the explicit permission of their identified copyright owners.
Language
English
Conservation
Items being stored together must be covered with a protective barrier such as acid-free paper to prevent damage from contact with adjacent items in storage.
Printed paper sign, reads "POSITIVELY NO ADMITTANCE HOTEL CLOSED" (no date, no author). Part of a collection of items previously mounted or hung up in Nicholas and Ivy "Willie" Morant's Banff home.
Printed paper sign, reads "POSITIVELY NO ADMITTANCE HOTEL CLOSED" (no date, no author). Part of a collection of items previously mounted or hung up in Nicholas and Ivy "Willie" Morant's Banff home.
File consists of 3 large promotional posters. Pertains to one b&w image of the Banff Springs Hotel set in the forests of the Bow Valley (possibly produced by Nicholas Morant but unknown); one colour image of the Whitehorn Sedan Lift in Lake Louise showing a woman riding the lift, taken by Nicholas …
File consists of 3 large promotional posters. Pertains to one b&w image of the Banff Springs Hotel set in the forests of the Bow Valley (possibly produced by Nicholas Morant but unknown); one colour image of the Whitehorn Sedan Lift in Lake Louise showing a woman riding the lift, taken by Nicholas Morant; one colour poster promoting "Canadian Pacific Railway Company Steamship Lines Atlantic Service", annotated by Nicholas Morant on the back. All posters with small print captions at the bottom.
Notes
Items were originally stored separately.
Poster of Banff Springs Hotel was stored out of poster tube, secured with white string. Paper label wrapped around said: "OLD PHOTO BSH Bow View"
Poster image of sedan lift was originally in poster tube with Canadian Pacific label that read: "LAKE LOUISE SEDAN LIFT POSTERS 1960"
Poster of CP Steamship was in poster tube labelled "CPR LAKE BOAT ADVERTISING (FRAMED) PICTURE" , numbered "36" at top, with shipping address label:
"Canadian Pacific SUPPLIES
1 Upshover { Req. Contents
From Vancouver
For N. Morant c/o Agent, BANFF, Alta.
Q 51 - 93 - 34"
File consists of 3 oversized prints (16 x 20 inches) and two slightly larger posters / prints, colour, taken by Nicholas Morant. Content pertains to views of Moraine Lake in the summer, a cargo train turning a corner (possibly in the early morning), Mt. Athabasca, a CPR Diesel-Electric Locomotive a…
File consists of 3 oversized prints (16 x 20 inches) and two slightly larger posters / prints, colour, taken by Nicholas Morant. Content pertains to views of Moraine Lake in the summer, a cargo train turning a corner (possibly in the early morning), Mt. Athabasca, a CPR Diesel-Electric Locomotive at Jackfish Curve (Lake Superior), and a CPR train front view.
Notes
First three items were originally stored together in a poster tube, labelled:
"16 x 20 MORAINE GOLD TRAIN MT. ATHABASCA"
Shipping label: "CP Rail MR. N. Morant P.O. Box 1288 Banff, Alberta c/o Station Agent Banff, Alta."
Canadian Pacific Label: "Value Label CP Rail E 46 - 22 - 24"
Other items were unlabelled, stored loose.
File consists of 5 colour advertising posters, 2 calendar pages, and one hand-drawn illustration. Content pertains to 'The Banff Chairlift on Mt. Norquay'; a Laurie Signs Ltd. ad with a Nicholas Morant image and metal hanger (formerly a page from a calendar, date unknown); a 'Bourne Bros.' calendar…
File consists of 5 colour advertising posters, 2 calendar pages, and one hand-drawn illustration. Content pertains to 'The Banff Chairlift on Mt. Norquay'; a Laurie Signs Ltd. ad with a Nicholas Morant image and metal hanger (formerly a page from a calendar, date unknown); a 'Bourne Bros.' calendar dated '1913', featuring a large image of a woman named 'Berenice' on a metal hanger; 4 red and white Royal York Hotel advertising posters with cardboard attachments on back to stand upright; and an illustration addressed to Nicholas Morant (unknown artist), drawn in pencil, depicting a character covered in porcupine quills (?) with an easel, painting the message 'dere Marantz thanks 4 the encouragement'.
Notes
4 Royal York Hotel posters formerly stored in individual brown paper packaging with cardboard supports inside, labelled 'Royal York Hotel Poster' on the front of each in black marker. Original packaging has been removed for conservation reasons.
Storage Range
In file box M300 / II / C / 6 / 1 to M300 / II / C / 6 / 8 & M300 / II / C / 6 / 70 to 72
File consists of 3 small poster copies of original paintings. Content pertains to 3 paintings by Hans Holbein (16th century) depicting portraits of former English Queens Mary, Anne Boleyn and Anne of Cleeves, which were copied into paper prints. Posters may originally have been displayed in the Ban…
File consists of 3 small poster copies of original paintings. Content pertains to 3 paintings by Hans Holbein (16th century) depicting portraits of former English Queens Mary, Anne Boleyn and Anne of Cleeves, which were copied into paper prints. Posters may originally have been displayed in the Banff Springs Hotel, similarly to other replica Renaissance-era prints collected by Nicholas Morant (see V500 / III / D / 5 / PA - 67 to 69 O.S. entry).
Notes
Items in this file were originally stored inside a larger poster of Banff Springs Hotel (now filed under V500 / II / C / 6 / PA - 66 O.S.) which was secured with white string.
Storage Range
In file box V500 / III / D / 4 / PA - 1 to 25 and V500 / III / D / 5 / PA - 70 to 72