In a triumph for the legacy of Canadian icon Toller Cranston, Art Evolution is set to unveil the largest exhibition of his works following an unprecedented 8-year legal battle over the Toller Cranston estate. The historic judgment not only solidifies Toller’s place in Canadian history but also marks a landmark decision in Canadian Estate Law.
At the heart of this legal saga was Toller’s sister, Phillippa Cranston Baran, who fought ardently to protect her brother’s artistic legacy. Against significant personal and financial risks, she navigated the complexities of the legal system to ensure that Toller’s contributions to the world of figure skating and art would be preserved for future generations.
The announcement of Toller Cranston’s passing in 2015 by Art Evolution president Christopher Talbot marked the end of an era. Renowned internationally as a figure skating legend and an artist with a unique painting style, Toller Cranston’s impact on both worlds was immeasurable. The New York Times memorialized him as the “Nureyev of figure skating,” but Toller saw himself simply as an artist, as reflected on his gravestone in San Miguel, Mexico, inscribed with “Artist and Zero Tollerance.”
Art Evolution, led by Christopher Talbot, has successfully secured the remaining paintings of the estate and the intellectual property rights, allowing for the production of limited-edition artworks. Talbot is unwavering in his commitment to preserving Toller’s legacy, with plans to promote his artwork through galleries in Canada, Australia, and online. A significant portion of the proceeds from these endeavors will contribute to the “Toller Cranston Foundation,” supporting annual scholarships administered through the Canadian Olympic foundation.
The culmination of this effort is the upcoming exhibition titled “Toller Cranston, The Legacy Paintings,” presented by Art Evolution. Scheduled to run from November 16th, 2023, to February 28th, 2024, in Alberta, Canada, the exhibition will feature a carefully curated selection of over 100 paintings and three-dimensional artworks created by Toller Cranston during his prolific career.
Art Evolution, an international fine art company, has a rich history of showcasing works by renowned artists. Currently holding the largest Salvador Dali sculpture exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere, the organization is well-equipped to bring Toller Cranston’s legacy to the forefront of the art world.
Phillippa Cranston Baran, a prominent figure with a BA from Queen’s University and an MA from UCLA, is not only a fierce advocate for her brother’s legacy but also a media-savvy communicator, award-winning producer, writer, and former university film professor. Her upcoming book, “Toller Cranston: Ice, Paint, Passion,” published by Sutherland House, is slated for release in February 2024.
Toller Cranston, a Canadian icon, left an indelible mark on the country’s cultural landscape for over five decades. Beyond his six-time Canadian National Championship wins, World and Olympic Bronze Medals, and recognition as the Most Creative Skater of the 20th Century by the International Skating Association (ISU), Toller received the Order of Canada in 1977, an Honorary Doctorate from Carleton University, and a place in Canada’s Walk of Fame.
As the dates for the exhibition draw near, art enthusiasts and admirers of Toller Cranston’s work eagerly anticipate the opportunity to witness this unprecedented collection, celebrating the life and contributions of a true Canadian icon.
Exhibition Details:
§ Dates: November 16th, 2023 – February 28th, 2024
§ Location: Art Evolution Gallery, 208 – 1st West Cochrane St, Alberta T4C-1B7§ Website: www.artevolution.com
