York University
Art Collection Online

William Featherston (1927–2009) was a Canadian painter and sculptor whose career spanned over sixty years. Originally from Toronto, William spent a significant portion of his early career in England beginning in 1958. William returned to Canada in 1971 to teach, exhibit, and expand his practice, which often included a focus on issues relating to politics, peace movements, and social justice. His works have received international recognition and are held in numerous galleries around the world.

At a young age, William forged a birth certificate in order to join the navy during WWII, for which he served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theatres. Returning home in 1946 at 19, William got his BA through night classes and then attended the Ontario College of Art. Subsequently, he became a high school teacher.

In 1958, he was convinced by a colleague to travel to Britain to teach—a trip that ended up lasting over 12 years. For over ten years of this time, William taught at the Cardiff College of Art. Though he had already had some success in Canada, William stated that his stint in England “was the real beginning of [his] art career.” While in England, he experienced a marked increase in interest in sculpting, developing a practice he described as “fundamentally abstract but contain[ing] references to architecture and hints of configuration.” He was also known for making strong political statements through his art, often championing peace movements and social justice. As well, he often critiqued imperialism and corporatism in a direct, confrontational manner.

He exhibited extensively in London and internationally with the 56 Group and SEA, taking part in the Edinburgh Festival for eight consecutive years. With the exception of the creation of a public art piece for the plaza at Toronto City Hall and a commission for Expo 67, he did not return to Canada until 1971.

William taught briefly at the University of Victoria, BC, from 1972 to 1973, then at California State in Hayward, California, followed by a ten-year period at the Vancouver College of Art, where his students included Attila Richard Lukacs and Angela Grossman.

Currently, William’s works are held in collections internationally, including the Canada Council in Ottawa, Ontario; Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.; Leeds Art Gallery in England; Ottawa Art Bank in Ottawa, Ontario; University of Buffalo, New York; and the University of Glasgow in Scotland, among others.