Artist CLARE BICE (CANADIAN, 1908-1976)

Hellmuth: Bishop of Huron 1871-1883

MediumOil

Credit LineGift of the Diocese of Huron, 1986.

Object number1986.023.002

Label TextIn 1955, The Committee on Observance of the Diocesan Centennial recommended that portraits of the first three Bishops (Cronyn, Hellmuth, and Baldwin) be painted. Artist Clare Bice (1908-1976) was commissioned. Isaac Hellmuth (1819-1901) was the second Bishop of Huron, holding the position from 1871-1883. Hellmuth was born in Poland, to a Jewish family and had trained to become a rabbi, like his father. His studies lead to him questioning his faith and being disowned by his father. He moved to England in 1842 and converted to Christianity. He came to Canada in 1844, working in Toronto before coming to London. He founded Hellmuth College and Hellmuth Ladies' College in 1865 and 1869, respectively. He was appointed Bishop of Huron in 1871. During his time as bishop, Hellmuth founded the Western University of London, Ontario in 1878, now known as Western University. Clare Bice grew up in London and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and English from the University of Western Ontario in 1928. He served as the curator of the Williams Memorial Art Gallery and Museum, which would eventually become Museum London, from 1940-1972.

NamePainting