He is quietly proud when he talks of the oil portraits that adorn the walls. They are by his uncle, Arthur Gresham, who had been a commercial artist in Toronto and occasionally painted with the Group of Seven. On the mantel is a lovely portrait of Gus's Aunt Kay, Gresham's wife, while a trio in the hall includes Gresham's self-portrait, a painting of a 20-year-old Gus, and a portrait of Gus's father.
It's obvious the paintings have great meaning to the couple. In fact, surrounding yourself with what you love exemplifies their approach to decor and collecting. "I have always stuck to what I love," says Brigit. One suspects she's speaking of much more than what meets the eye. And it is, of course, the only way to make a house into a real home.
The potting stand in the picture (not an antique) was purchased specifically to create a display for Gus's creels. When he first started collecting, he says he bought everything in sight. Now he's more selective.
0 Comment