Architectural writer and cultural journalist, Adele Weder showcases the life and work of Ron Thom, an architect of unique genius, who fought to instill the human spirit in our built environment.
Based on over a hundred recorded interviews and extensive archival research, Ron Thom, Architect: The Life of a Creative Modernist sheds new light on one of the most important architects of his generation, and on a transformative era in our design history.
In 1963, Ron Thom moved from Vancouver to Toronto and became nationally renowned for Massey College, Trent University, the Shaw Festival Theatre, the Toronto Zoo and many other projects.
Weder’s exploration of the work and life of Ron Thom began with her 2005 master’s thesis on the design approach of Thom’s mentor, artist B.C. Binning. Weder curated the nationally traveling exhibition Ron Thom and the Allied Arts, which exhibited at the Gardiner Museum in 2014.
This definitive new biography delves into the creative society that shaped Thom, whose denizens included Jack Shadbolt, Arthur Erickson, John C. Parkin, the Massey family, Barbara and Murray Frum, and Robertson Davies.
On Wednesday, October 12, from 5 to 7 p.m., Adele Weder will launch Ron Thom, Architect at a book signing event hosted by Swipe Design bookstore in downtown Toronto.
Two additional launch events follow:
On Tuesday, October 18, from 7-9 pm, Weder delivers a talk followed by book signing at the Bata Library Film Theatre, Trent University. The event is free but registration is required and donations are appreciated.
On October 27, Weder presents the book at 7 pm at the Wentworth Villa Architectural Museum, 1156 Fort Street, Victoria, B.C. The event is free but registration is required. Donations are appreciated.