In 1952 Ron Lambert was the youngest of 26 painters featured in one of Canada’s first Abstract shows. The Canadian Abstract Exhibition took place at Hart House Gallery in Toronto. Lawren Harris, Jock MacDonald, Jack Bush, Joseph Plaskett, J.L. Shadbolt, Hortense Gordon, Alexandra Luke and Leon Belleflure were among the artists showing. It was Lambert’s last major exhibit. He has continued painting and working but has only now at the age of 89 emerged to show his new works. The title of hiscurrent show at the Kent Farndale Gallery in Port Perry is his tribute to the Hart House exhibit.
Lambert was born in Oshawa, Ontario in 1927. At the age of 19, supported by artist Alexandra Luke, he went to study with colour theorist Hans Hofman in Providence, Rhode Island.
Oshawa in the 40’s had a strong art scene centred around the very wealthy McLaughlin family, Luke and Isabella McLaughlin in particular. Lambert’s talent was noticed and encouraged from an early age.
He chose the path of a commercial artist but he stayed friends with artists and was present at the Painters 11 salons hosted by Luke at her cottage at Thickson Point in Whitby.
After over 60 years of silence his talents and work have been discovered once again and encouraged by a new mentor and champion, Lawrence Brissenden.

Thanks to Chris Wunderlich for videography and Luis PInto for editing.