Collection 2015.001 - Peter MacCallum Fonds

Massey Hall photo - YN-111-6 Massey Hall photo - MH-22-5 Massey Hall photo - MH-23-11 Massey Hall photo - MH-27-17

Identity area

Reference code

CA ON00349 2015.001

Title

Peter MacCallum Fonds

Date(s)

  • 1987 - 2013 (Creation)

Level of description

Collection

Extent and medium

1 box of textual records
1 folder of textual material
2 books
1 catalogue
40 photographs
34 silver prints : 14 x 14 in. ; b&w
6 silver prints : 12 x 18 in. ; b&w

Context area

Name of creator

(1947 -)

Biographical history

Peter MacCallum has made a name for himself in the field of photography, especially with work focusing on architecture, industry, and urban spaces. He is seen as a chronicler of Toronto locales. His eye for detail and appreciation for his subject matter have led to his work being described as “lessons in observation”.
MacCallum was born on June 27, 1947 in Toronto. and began shooting pictures in 1968 after being inspired by the book The World of Henri Cartier Bresson. He is mostly self-taught, however he apprenticed at a commercial photography studio where he acquired skills with large format photography. His subject matter in the 1970s and 80s was local artists and galleries in downtown Toronto. In 1984 he received a commission to photograph Spadina Avenue in Toronto for a historical exhibition. This project led to MacCallum’s interest in architectural photography and streetscapes.
His photographs have been exhibited in solo and group shows, including: Concrete Industries, Museum London, London, Ontario, 2004; Industrial Interiors, Peak Gallery, Toronto, Ontario, 2003; Larus Delawarensis, Oakville Galleries, Oakville, Ontario, 2003; (curated by Marnie Fleming), Cement/Concrete, at the The Eric Arthur Gallery University of Toronto 2002, Seagulls, Bugs and Bystanders Peak Gallery, Toronto 2002, Substitute City, The Power Plant, Toronto, 2001.
His photographs have received critical praise in publications such as Canadian Architect, Prefix Photo and Azure magazines. Peter MacCallum’s photographs can be found in the collections of The Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography, The Oakville Galleries, The Art Gallery of Mississauga, The City of Toronto Archives, The Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto, Henry Morgenthaler Toronto Clinic and other corporate and private collections.
He is the author of two books: Material World (2004) and Peter MacCallum Documentary Projects 2005-2015 (2015).
MacCallum lives and works in Toronto.

Archival history

Immediate source of acquisition or transfer

Content and structure area

Scope and content

This fonds documents the interior and exterior of Massey Hall in Toronto.
The fonds includes the following 11 series: Series 01: “Exterior Views from the Younge Street Series, 2008 – 2010” ; Series 02: “Massey Hall Interiors Series, 1987 and 2010-2013” ; Series 03: “Stage” ; Series 04: “Backstage” ; Series 05: “Lobby Area and Box Office” ; Series 06: “Balcony Level” ; Series 07: “Gallery Level” ; Series 08: “Attic Storey” ; Series 09: “Basement” ; Series 10: “Administrative Offices, Albert Building” ; Series 11: “Books, Catalogue and Research”; and Series 12: "Digital Images"
The books / catalogue are:
Toronto’s Theatre Block
Arthur Goss: Selected Photographs
Kawamata: Toronto Project, 1989

Appraisal, destruction and scheduling

Accruals

System of arrangement

Conditions of access and use area

Conditions governing access

There are no access restrictions.

Conditions governing reproduction

Material is subject to copyright restrictions; please consult the archivist.

Language of material

  • English

Script of material

Language and script notes

Physical characteristics and technical requirements

Finding aids

Please consult the archivists for finding aid.

Allied materials area

Existence and location of originals

Existence and location of copies

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Notes area

Alternative identifier(s)

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Description control area

Description identifier

CA ON00349 2014.008

Institution identifier

University of Toronto Media Commons Archives

Rules and/or conventions used

Dates of creation revision deletion

Created on December 8, 2020 by Rachel E. Beattie

Language(s)

  • English

Script(s)

Sources

Accession area

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