Lawrence Arthur Colley Panton (1894-1954), born in Egremont, Cheshire, England, was a distinguished Canadian painter and educator. He moved to Canada at the age of 17 and initially worked as a bookkeeper at The Evening Telegram newspaper in Toronto. His early career was interrupted by his service in the First World War, where he served with the 4th Division, Signal Company from 1916 to 1919.
L.A.C. Panton; The Red Barn
After the war, Panton returned to his job at The Evening Telegram for two years before embarking on his artistic journey. He married Marion Pye in 1920, with whom he had a son, Charles, who was later killed in World War Two. Panton pursued art education at the Ontario College of Art and Central Technical School, studying under artists such as C.M. Manly and F.S. Challener. His growing skill in art led him to a designer role at Rous and Mann under A.H. Robson.
In 1924, Panton's career took a significant turn when he began teaching art at the Central Technical School. He later served as the director of art at Western Technical School and then at Northern Vocational School. His academic career culminated in his appointment as principal of the Ontario College of Art from 1951 until his death in 1954. During this period, he also took a sabbatical to study mixed techniques, including tempera painting, with American artist William C. Palmer.
L.A.C. Panton; Rolling Hills
Panton's artistic style evolved over his career, starting with lyrical realism in landscapes, figure studies, and city scenes, and later moving to more stylized landscapes emphasizing rhythmic patterns. In his final years, he explored semi-abstraction, particularly in his representations of the mist-shrouded rocks of Nova Scotia's shorelines. His works were known for their luminosity of colour, achieved through the use of thin glazes, and often conveyed a mystical quality.
Active in various art societies, Panton was a member of the Ontario Society of Artists, the Royal Canadian Academy, the Canadian Group of Painters, and the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour, among others. His work is represented in several public collections, including the National Gallery of Canada, Art Gallery of Ontario, and Winnipeg Art Gallery.
L.A.C. Panton; Autumn Majesty in Woods
Panton's legacy continued posthumously with memorial exhibitions at the Art Gallery of Toronto and a retrospective show at Hart House, University of Toronto. His approach to art was characterized by a continuous exploration of new techniques and styles, contributing significantly to the Canadian art scene.