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Christopher Pratt:
Life & Work

By Mireille Eagan

Preorder the Print Book

By Mireille Eagan

Chapter

Christopher Pratt, I Dreamt I Owned a Cabin on the Road North of Burgeo. It Looked Westward to the Blue Hills of Couteau, 2014–17, oil on canvas, 101.5 x 142.3 cm, The Rooms, St. John’s.

Acknowledgements


From the Art Canada Institute

The Art Canada Institute gratefully acknowledges the generosity of Power Corporation of Canada, Season Sponsor, 2026–2027 Publications; Margaret Steed, Title Sponsor; Anonymous, Gold Sponsor; John and Katia Bianchini, Silver Sponsor; Fry Family Foundation, Mira Godard Gallery, and Christina Kennedy, Bronze Sponsors; and The Rooms, Image Sponsor.


We thank the Founding Sponsor of the Art Canada Institute: BMO Financial Group. 


Finally, we acknowledge the generosity of all those who support the Art Canada Institute and make our work possible. 



From the Author

I am deeply grateful to the Pratt family for their care and generosity throughout this project. My sincere thanks as well to Gisella Giacalone at Mira Godard Gallery, to Alison Butler at the Emma Butler Gallery, to Brenda Kielley, to my colleagues at The Rooms, and to the dedicated and thoughtful team at ACI. I am also grateful to my partner, Matthew, whose steady support—meals, hugs, and gentle encouragement—carried me through the long hours in the writer’s cave.


Most of all, my heartfelt thanks go to Christopher Pratt: a profoundly intelligent artist and a complex, generous human being whose presence in my life was a true gift. His absence is felt every day.

Image Sources

Every effort has been made to secure permissions for all copyrighted material. The Art Canada Institute will gladly correct any errors or omissions.

The Art Canada Institute would like to thank the following for their assistance: Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (Shannon Parker); Art Gallery of Ontario (Alexandra Cousins); Art Resource (John Benicewicz); Beaverbrook Art Gallery (Dawn Steeves); Christina Parker Gallery (Christina Parker); Confederation Centre Art Gallery (Kathleen MacKinnon); Copyright Visual Arts (Isabella Adrian); Counterpunch Inc. (Linda Gustafson); Cowley Abbott Fine Art (Julie De Kwant); Currier Museum of Art (Maggie Goldstein); Dalhousie Art Gallery (Michele Gallant); Estate of David Blackwood (Anita Blackwood); Estate of Alex Colville (Ann Kitz); Estate of Greg Curnoe (Sheila Curnoe); Estate of Christopher Pratt (Anne Pratt); Global Affairs Canada Diplomatic Art Collection (Kerry Goodfellow, Carolyn Hickey); Heffel Fine Art Auction House (Martie Giefert, Molly Tonken); McMichael Canadian Art Collection (Briana Pellizzari-Lento); Mira Godard Gallery (Gisella Giacalone); National Gallery of Canada (Emily Putnam); Owens Art Gallery (Jane Tisdale); Robert McLaughlin Art Gallery (Sonya Jones); The Rooms Provincial Art Gallery (Chris Batten, Beck Gilmer-Osborne, Kate Wolforth); and Marlene Creates, Kym Greeley, Jeanette Meehan, Ned Pratt, Susan Ritchie, Esther Squires, and Gail Squires.


ACI recognizes the private collectors who have given permission for their works to be published in this edition.

Credit for Cover Image

Road disappearing into the distance with headlight shining on it as if the perspective is you are the driver, at sunset.

Christopher Pratt, Driving to Venus: On the Burgeo Road, 2000. (See below for details.)

Credits for Banner Images

Christopher Pratt sitting with his arms crossed in front of his painting

Biography: Christopher Pratt in front of his painting Argentia Interior: The Ruins of Fort McAndrew, 2015. (See below for details.)

Road disappearing into the distance with headlight shining on it as if the perspective is you are the driver, at sunset.

Key Works: Christopher Pratt, Driving to Venus: On the Burgeo Road, 2000. (See below for details.)

Man standing outside of his parked car at the side of the road at sunset in the winter

Significance & Critical Issues: Christopher Pratt, Sunset at Squid Cove, 2004. (See below for details.)

Painting of view looking out of a three pane window at a half moon over the bay

Style & Technique: Christopher Pratt, Half Moon and Bright Stars: My Bedroom in September, 2001. (See below for details.)

Black and white photograph of cups and containers of pencils on shelves.

Sources & Resources: Shelves in Christopher Pratt’s studio, date unknown. (See below for details.)

Photo of a gallery with Christopher Pratt paintings on the walls

Where to See: Installation view of Christopher Pratt: The Places I Go, The Rooms, St. John’s, 2015. (See below for details.)

painting of landscape with primary colours of orange and blue

Copyright & Credits: Christopher Pratt, I Dreamt I Owned a Cabin on the Road North of Burgeo. It Looked Westward to the Blue Hills of Couteau, 2014–17. (See below for details.)

Credits for Works by Christopher Pratt

serigraph of a 10 cent Newfoundland back featuring a ship

1887 10 Cents Black, 1969. Memorial University of Newfoundland Collection, The Rooms, St. John's, 1969 (69.41.03). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

pencil sketches of a variety of spheres

1st Day, GSA, 1957. Collection of The Rooms, St. John’s, gift of John Pratt, 2015 (2015.13.16). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

pencil sketch of a sheep sitting down by fence

5th Stencil Proof - The Sheep – 8, 1971. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, J.K. Pratt Memorial Collection, 1992 (1992.07.232). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

a boat flipped over on the beach, with the full moon in the background

A Boat and the Moon, 1991. Memorial University of Newfoundland Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, J.K. Pratt Memorial Collection, 1991 (91.20.01). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

a long dock in the water with a plane soaring above

After the Cold War: Argentia Approach, 2008. Private collection. Courtesy Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto.

© Estate of Christopher Pratt.

perspective sketch for painting of long dock

Argentia Approach, 1990. Emily Christina Dawe Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, 2006 (2006.6.45). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Interior of ruins of a building with peeling paint and light coming in through the window

Argentia Interior: The Ruins of Fort McAndrew, 2015. Collection of The Rooms, St. John’s, gift of the artist, 2016 (2016.03.01). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

mostly bared trees around a fenced in yard painting

Aspect of Point Lance (variation), 1959. Private collection. Courtesy of the Estate of Christopher Pratt. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Watercolour painting of the Bait Rocks

The Bait Rocks, 1954. Private collection. Courtesy of the Estate of Christopher Pratt. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

painting of barn and cellar that blend into the landscape

Barn and Cellar: August 1939, 2005. Private collection. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

two striped beds in a basement bedroom

Basement with Two Beds, 1995. Private collection. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

painting of window looking out a horizon line on the water at sunset

Bay, 1972. Private collection. Courtesy of Linda Gustafson, Counterpunch Inc., Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

shed in the winter with any overhead light on it

Benoit’s Cove: Sheds In Winter, 1998. Memorial University of Newfoundland Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, purchased with support from the Canada Council Purchase Assistance Program, Art Gallery Permanent Collection funds, and a financial contribution from an anonymous donor, 1998 (98.15.00). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

boat hanging in boat house

Big Cigarette, 1993. Collection of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, Fredericton, gift of Harrison McCain, C.C., 1996 (1996.25). Courtesy of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

view of black pickup truck from the bed looking at the front with water in the background

Black Pickup, 1990. Private collection. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

serigraph of a boat in the sand

Boat in Sand, 1961. Memorial University of Newfoundland Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, 1969 (69.05.02). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Man walking to shed in the winter with a flashlight at night

Christmas Eve At 12 O’Clock, 1995. Memorial University of Newfoundland Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, J.K. Pratt Memorial Collection, 1996 (96.04.00). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Handwritten notes on a lined piece of paper

Christmas Eve at 12 O’Clock – Notes, 1995. Memorial University of Newfoundland Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, 1998 (98.24.108). Courtesy of The Rooms.

© Estate of Christopher Pratt.

a collage of study illustrations and photos

Collage Self Portrait Series: Positive Spin, 2016. Collection of The Rooms, St. John’s, 2018 (2018.11.28). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Greyscale painting of crow and raven soaring over snowy landscape

Crow and Raven, 1978. Memorial University of Newfoundland Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, 1978 (78.20.00). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Rows of glowing windoes set into a fortress-like power station framed by the night sky

Deer Lake: Junction Brook Memorial, 1999. Collection of the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, gift of David and Margaret Marshall, Toronto, 1999 (40110). Courtesy of the National Gallery of Canada. © Estate of Christopher Pratt. Photo credit: NGC.

Demolition site of houses

Demolitions on the South Side, 1960. Collection of Dalhousie Art Gallery, Halifax, purchased with support from the Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Assistance program, 1961 (DAG1961-001-003). Courtesy of Dalhousie Art Gallery. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Road disappearing into the distance with headlight shining on it as if the perspective is you are the driver, at sunset.

Driving to Venus: On the Burgeo Road, 2000. Private collection. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto.

© Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Shadows of pine trees and person on white siding house with sunsetting

Fall at My Place (Some Shadows on My House), 2004. Private collection. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Naked woman standing behind glass french doors inside

French Door, 1973. Private collection. Courtesy of Linda Gustafson, Counterpunch Inc., Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

landscape, using muted colours, of tress, land, sky, and oil

Gros Morne (At Portland Creek), 1960. Collection of The Rooms, St. John’s, 2018 (2018.11.30). Courtesy of The Rooms. ©Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Painting of the Grosvenor Crescent on a cloudy day

Grosvenor Crescent, 1957. Collection of The Rooms, St. John’s, gift of the artist, 2024 (2024.03.01). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

two page colour exercise, one exploring shading of blue, the other with the full spectrum

GSA - Colour exercise, 1958. Collection of The Rooms, St. John’s, gift of John Pratt, 2015 (2015.13.16). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Painting of view looking out of a three pane window at a half moon over the bay

Half Moon and Bright Stars: My Bedroom in September, 2001. Private collection. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

landscape painting of hay stacks in the snow

Haystacks in December, 1960. Private collection. Courtesy of Linda Gustafson, Counterpunch Inc., Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

painting of a snowy day of a house and barn in the distance

House and Barn, 1962. Global Affairs Canada Diplomatic Art Collection / Collection d’art diplomatique – Affaires mondiales Canada. Courtesy of Global Affairs Canada Diplomatic Art Collection.

© Estate of Christopher Pratt.

two level simple brown house, straight on view with water in the distance

House in August, 1969. Collection of the Currier Museum of Art, Manchester, New Hampshire, Henry Melville Fuller Fund, 2018 (2018.29). © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

painting of landscape with primary colours of orange and blue

I Dreamt I Owned a Cabin on the Road North of Burgeo. It Looked Westward to the Blue Hills of Couteau, 2014–17. Collection of The Rooms, St. John’s, 2018 (2018.11.31). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

view looking out of a window at brick institutional buildings

Institution, 1973. Collection of the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, purchased 1973 (17180). Courtesy of the National Gallery of Canada. © Estate of Christopher Pratt. Photo credit: NGC.

view of the labrador current in shadows of soft green

Labrador Current – Trial (The Rocks), 1973. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, 1992 (92.07.2016). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Looking out of window with blinds half closed on a summer day

Love in Late Summer, 2002. Private collection. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

painting of a lynx in the snow

The Lynx, 1965. Memorial University of Newfoundland Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, 2023 (2023.06.39). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

painting of white window blinds

March Night, 1976. Collection of the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, purchased with support from Wintario, 1977 (76/226). Courtesy of the Art Gallery of Ontario. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Photo credit: AGO.

Painting of a moose standing inf ront of a transport truck at night

Moose and Transports, 1993. Private collection. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Painting of custom C&C yacht sitting in the peer at night.

My Sixty-One, 1988. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, 1989 (89.02.00). Courtesy of The Rooms.

© Estate of Christopher Pratt.

boat being lifted into the water with ropes

New Boat, 1975. Collection of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, gift of Jim Coutts in memory of Peter McCain, 1997 (1997.29). Courtesy of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

view looking at the shoreline from river at night

Night on the River, 1987. Memorial University of Newfoundland Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, J.K. Pratt Memorial Collection, 1998 (88.23.00). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

view looking out of front porch at night

Night on the Verandah, 1986. Collection of the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, gift of the artist, St. Mary’s Bay, Newfoundland, 2003 (41352). Courtesy of the National Gallery of Canada. © Estate of Christopher Pratt. Photo credit: NGC.

Road going off into the distance at night

Night Road, 1988. Private collection. Courtesy of Linda Gustafson, Counterpunch Inc., Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

scan of Christopher Pratt's notebook

Pages from Christopher Pratt’s car book, May 15, 2012. Collection of The Rooms Archives, St. John’s. Courtesy of The Rooms Archives. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

painting of a curved corridor

Pedestrian Tunnel, 1991. Collection of London Life Insurance Company. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

sketch for painting of a long dock

Perimeter & Perspective Options, Argentia Approach, 1990. Emily Christina Dawe Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, 2006 (2006.6.48). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

blue painting of sticks reflects into the water

Reflections on Abstractions, 2021. Private collection. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

view inside attic of a pitched roof

Sackville Attic, 1982. Collection of the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, gift of Mira Godard, Toronto, 2004 (41606). Courtesy of the National Gallery of Canada. ©
Estate of Christopher Pratt. Photo credit: NGC.

painting of seascape with large waves rushing in on a dark cloudy day

Seascape, 1958. Memorial University of Newfoundland Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, 1986 (86.24.00). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Painting of an ocean landscape with a ilght blue sky.

Season Series: Summer 1/1 4: South Summer Noon, 2009. Private collection. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Painting of a landscape with a blue-grey sky fading to orange at the horizon.

Season Series: Winter Suite 1: West Fall Evening, 2009. Private collection. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Painting of a landscape with a dark blue sky and bands of white on the ground

Season Series: Winter Suite 2: North Winter Night, 2009. Private collection. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Painting of an ocean landscape with a blue sky fading to orange at the horizon.

Season Series: Winter Suite 3: East Spring Morning, 2009. Private collection. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Self portrait paining of Christopher Pratt standing with arms crossed in front of a window

Self-Portrait, 1961. Collection of the Owens Art Gallery, Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick. Courtesy of Owens Art Gallery. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

abstract painting of simple buildings using dull colours and subtle gradients

Semi-abstract, 1960. Private collection. Courtesy of Cowley Abbott Fine Art, Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Watercolour painting of a shed in a storm on the shore

Shed in a Storm, 1953. Private collection. Courtesy of the Estate of Christopher Pratt. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

shed at low tide

Sheds in Winter, 1964. Collection of The Rooms, St. John’s, gift of John Crosbie Perlin, 2023 (2023.06.30). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

A sheep laying down in front of a fence

The Sheep, 1971. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, 1972 (72.02.00). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

front of shop with paper over the windows

Shop on Sunday, 1968. Global Affairs Canada Diplomatic Art Collection / Collection d’art diplomatique – Affaires mondiales Canada, Ottawa.

© Estate of Christopher Pratt.

shadows of trees on a white siding house with pine trees in the background

Spring at My Place, 1985. Memorial University of Newfoundland Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, 1985 (85.14.00). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Painting of a window looking in at station hall and a door open to a bathroom

Station, 1972. Confederation Centre Art Gallery, Charlottetown, purchased with funds donated by Dr. Eric L. Harvie, 1972 (CAG 72.10). Courtesy of Confederation Centre Art Gallery. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Looking out onto the ocean with nothing in sight

Stationary High, 1986. Collection of the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, gift of Mira Godard, Toronto, 2004 (41611). Courtesy of the National Gallery of Canada. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Photo credit: NGC.

pencil sketch of curved corridor

Study for Curved Corridor, 1987. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, J.K. Pratt Memorial Collection, 1992 (92.07.129). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

pencil sketch study of a curved corridor

Study for Pedestrian Tunnel (Curved Corridor), n.d. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, 1992 (92.07.134). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

pencil sketch of a woman looking in the mirror in her bedroom

Study for Woman at a Dresser, 1964. Location unknown. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

study sketch of the demolition site

Study No. 11 for Demolitions on the South Side, 1960. Collection of the Dalhousie Art Gallery, Halifax, gift of the artist, 1986 (DAG1986-001-010). Courtesy of Dalhousie Art Gallery. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Girl sitting in passenger seat of coup relaxed. No one is in the drivers seat

Summer of the Karmann Ghia, 1998. Emily Christina Dawe Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, gift of the artist, 2003 (2003.1.84). Courtesy of The Rooms.

© Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Man standing outside of his parked car at the side of the road at sunset in the winter

Sunset at Squid Cove, 2004. Private collection. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

drawing of flag concepts on grid paper

Technical drawing for the Flag of Newfoundland, 1980. The Rooms Archives, St. John’s. Drawings and documents were submitted to the Department of Public Works by the artist. Records were transferred to the Provincial Archives in October 1980 via H.V. Pollett, Deputy Minister of Public Works (809 80). Courtesy of The Rooms Archives. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

large school with glowing orange in the background

Trongate Abstract, Art School Fire, 2018. Collection of The Rooms, St. John’s, acquired with generous support from the Fry Family Foundation, 2019 (2019.07.01). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

blue fishing boat sitting at dock in the winter

Trout River: Little Otto, 2013. Private collection. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

A winter pier scene with a flag waving at sunset

Winter at Whiteway, 2004. Private collection. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

view of road in the winter at sunset

Winter Solstice Drive to St. Anthony, Full Moon Rising, 2008. Private collection. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

woman sitting at dresser mirror without shirt on

Woman at a Dresser, 1964. McMichael Canadian Art Collection, gift of ICI Canada Inc., 1995 (1995.19.43). Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.

© Estate of Christopher Pratt.

naked woman holding a towel in front of wood stove in a pink wallpapered room

Woman at a Stove, 1965. Memorial University of Newfoundland Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, 1966 (66.01.01). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Girl coming in from outside standing in doorway holding her blue dress up so that the seashells don't fall out

Young Girl with Sea Shells, 1965. Memorial University of Newfoundland Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, 1965 (65.06.00). Courtesy of the Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

View of back of person with their knees tucked in. They aren't wearing a shirt and have short hair

Yvonne, 2007. Emily Christina Dawe Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, 2011 (2011.08.09). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Credits for Photographs and Works by Other Artists

Pratt's studio that is covered in reference pictures

A wall in Christopher Pratt’s studio, date unknown. Photograph by Ned Pratt. Courtesy of Ned Pratt.

painting of winding road that is primarily yellow

Alone Together II, 2009, by Kym Greeley. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s (10133583). Courtesy of The Room.

© Kym Greeley.

Children posing in the living room for photo. Two small children in a wicker chair, two standing behind

Anne, John, Barbara, and Ned Pratt at the house in Salmonier, Newfoundland, Christmas 1967. Photographer unknown. Courtesy of the Estate of Christopher Pratt. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

naked woman in a bathtub viewed from above, she is looking down at the water

Blue Bath Water, 1983, by Mary Pratt. Private collection. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto.

© Estate of Mary Pratt / CARCC Ottawa 2026.

photo of winding road in the forest on a sunny day

Burgeo Road, 2016. Photograph by Mireille Eagan. Courtesy of Mireille Eagan.

painting of turkey wrapped in tinfoil, shining

Christmas Turkey, 1980, by Mary Pratt. Collection of the Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Oshawa, purchase, 1981. Courtesy of the Robert McLaughlin Gallery.

© Estate of Mary Pratt / CARCC Ottawa 2026.

Christopher Pratt and another man holding the Newfoundland and Labrador flag in a field

Christopher Pratt and John Carter with the newly adopted flag of Newfoundland and Labrador, St John’s, 1980. Photographer unknown. Courtesy of the Estate of Christopher Pratt. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Old photograph of Christopher and Mary Pratt looking at each other in a snowy forest

Christopher Pratt and Mary West at Mount Allison University, before they were married, 1955. Photographer unknown. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Old black and white photograph of Christopher Pratt as a young boy, with his family

Christopher Pratt as young with boy with his family, Christine (Dawe) Pratt, Christopher Pratt, Phillip Pratt, John (Jack) Pratt, 1947. Photographer unknown. Courtesy of the Estate of Christopher Pratt. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Christopher Pratt standing on road in front of house in an orange jacket

Christopher Pratt at Buchans, Newfoundland, 2016. Photograph by Mireille Eagan. Courtesy of Mireille Eagan.

Christopher Pratt standing in a grassy field by a dead tree that he once painted.

Christopher Pratt at the location where he painted Gros Morne (At Portland Creek), 2016. Photograph by Mireille Eagan. Courtesy of Mireille Eagan.

Christopher Pratt driving past a power station, he is wearing a green plaid shirt

Christopher Pratt driving by the Deer Lake Power Station, 2016. Photograph by Mireille Eagan. Courtesy of Mireille Eagan.

Christopher Pratt sitting with his arms crossed in front of his painting

Christopher Pratt in front of his painting Argentia Interior: The Ruins of Fort McAndrew, 2015. Photograph by Ned Pratt. Courtesy of Ned Pratt.

Pratt working at drafting table

Christopher Pratt in his studio, 1998, photographer unknown. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto.

Old photograph of Christopher Pratt painting in his studio

Christopher Pratt in his studio at Salmonier, Newfoundland, 1970. Photograph by John Reeves. Courtesy of the Estate of Christopher Pratt.

© Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Christopher Pratt working on his painting in the studio

Christopher Pratt in his studio with Deer Lake: Junction Brook Memorial, date unknown. Photographer unknown. Courtesy of the Estate of Christopher Pratt. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Black and white photograph of Christopher Pratt as a young boy in Newfoundland placing a stick on a pile of rocks

Christopher Pratt, Topsail, Newfoundland, 1940. Photographer unknown. Courtesy of the Estate of Christopher Pratt. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Christopher Pratt standing in a park by a fence holding his baby

Christopher Pratt with baby John in Glasgow, 1958. Photographer unknown. Courtesy of the Estate of Christopher Pratt. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Christopher Pratt looking at his painting of a self portrait

Christopher Pratt with Self-Portrait: Who Is This Sir Munnings at the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, 2005. Photographer unknown. Courtesy of the Estate of Christopher Pratt. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Black and white photo of Christopher and Mary Pratt graduating

Christopher Pratt (right) with Mary Pratt at their graduation from Mount Allison University, May 16, 1961. Photographer unknown. Courtesy of the Estate of Christopher Pratt. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Black and white photo of Pratt drawing on a big table

Christopher Pratt working in his studio, 1976. Photographer unknown. Courtesy of the Estate of Christopher Pratt. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Christopher Pratt working on one of his paintings in his studio

Christopher Pratt working in his studio, 2002. Photographer unknown. Courtesy of the Estate of Christopher Pratt. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

photo of Christopher Pratt writing in the car

Christopher Pratt writing in his car book, date unknown. Photograph by Jeanette Meehan. Courtesy of Mireille Eagan.

painting of view of industrial city roof

City Roofs, 1932, by Edward Hopper. Collection of the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, bequest of Carol Franc Buck (2022.98). © 2026 Heirs of Josephine N. Hopper / Licensed by Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY / CARCC Ottawa 2026. Photo credit: Whitney Museum of American Art / Art Resource, NY.

Book cover for "Places I Go" featuring a printing of an SUV parked and man looking out with binoculars

Cover of Pratt, Christopher, and Eagan, Mireille. Christopher Pratt: The Places I Go. The Rooms and Goose Lane, 2015.

Book cover of "Christopher Pratt: A Retrospective" featuring his name in big bold letter and an abstract painting

Cover of Pratt, Christopher, and Zemans, Joyce. Christopher Pratt: A Retrospective. Vancouver Art Gallery, 1985.

painting of dead trees by a wooden fence

Dead Trees, 1938, by Lawren Phillips Harris. Private collection. Courtesy of Heffel Fine Art Auction House. © Estate of Lawren Phillips Harris.

painting of egg shells in an egg carton

Eggs in an Egg Crate, 1975, by Mary Pratt. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, 1975 (75.19.00). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Mary Pratt / CARCC Ottawa 2026.

photo of small building in the distance surrounded by a snowy landscape

Façade, Northern Peninsula, 2009, by Ned Pratt. Collection of The Rooms, St. John’s, 2015 (2015.02.01). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Ned Pratt.

fishing village oil painting featuring one white boat house with a red roof.

Fishing Village, 1940, by Jack Humphrey. Collection of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, Fredericton, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lionel J. April / Don de M. et Mme Lionel J. April, 1986 (1986.07). Courtesy of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery.

a collection of four black and white photographs of different hands touching a tree

Four excerpts from the series Larch, Spruce, Fir, Birch, Hand, Blast Hole Pond Road, Newfoundland, 2007, by Marlene Creates. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s (101334407). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Marlene Creates / CARCC Ottawa 2026.

Photograph of Glasgow buildings, the left is small and white, the right is a large stone building with turrets

Glasgow buildings, 1957. Photograph by Christopher Pratt. Courtesy of the Estate of Christopher Pratt.

© Estate of Christopher Pratt.

small boat in rough water with sharks swimming below

The Gulf Stream, 1899 (reworked by 1906), by Winslow Homer. Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Collection, Wolfe Fund, 1906 (6.1234). Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

a sequence of three paintings of bird transforming into a human then back to bird

I Sent My Creature Scouting on the Globe, 1983, by Gerald L. Squires. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, gift of Gail and Gerald Squires, 2005 (2005.14.00). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Gerald L. Squires.

Installation photo of Pratt's paintings

Installation view of Christopher Pratt: The Places I Go at The Rooms, St. John’s, 2015. Photograph by The Rooms. Courtesy of The Rooms.

Photo of a gallery with Christopher Pratt paintings on the walls

Installation view of Christopher Pratt: The Places I Go at The Rooms, St. John’s, 2015. Photograph by The Rooms. Courtesy of The Rooms.

view of Pratt's studio with big windows and and art on the wall

Interior of Christopher Pratt’s studio, 2016. Photograph by Mireille Eagan. Courtesy of Mireille Eagan.

photo of a grassy vista on a grey day

A landscape Christopher Pratt referred to as “The Blue Hills of Couteau,” 2016. Photograph by Mireille Eagan. Courtesy of Mireille Eagan.

painting of a lighthouse on a hill

The Lighthouse at Two Lights, 1929, by Edward Hopper. Collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Hugo Kastor Fund, 1962 (62.95). © 2026 Heirs of Josephine N. Hopper / Licensed by Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY / CARCC Ottawa 2026. Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photo Credit: Art Resource, NY.

graphite drawing of three fishermen on a solid black background

The Longshoremen, 1939, by Miller Brittain. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, 1969 (69.41.02). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of Miller Brittain.

Mira Godard and Christopher Pratt sitting at a bistro table outside, talking

Mira Godard and Christopher Pratt, July 1991. Photographer unknown. Courtesy of Mira Godard Gallery, Toronto.

Newspaper clipping of people attending the gallery opening of MUN's first professional exhibit

Opening of the Memorial University of Newfoundland Art Gallery, organized by Christopher Pratt, 1961. Photograph by Frank Kennedy. S.J. Carew Photograph Collection (Coll-012), Memorial University of Newfoundland Libraries, Archives and Special Collections, St. John’s. Courtesy of the Memorial University of Newfoundland Libraries, Archives and Special Collections.

looking over the top of a porch roof onto the street with trees without leaves

Over the Porch Roof, 1933-37, by Charles Burchfield. Burchfield Penney Art Center, Buffalo, New York, bequest of Mrs. Roy W. Doolittle, Jr., 2017. Courtesy of Burchfield Penney Art Center. © Estate of Charles Burchfield.

Page from Alfred Dehn's Water Color Painting, detailing his colour palette.

Page from Alfred Dehn’s Water Color Painting, detailing his colour palette, 1945. The Studio Publications incorporated, New York, London.

Pencil sketch of Christopher Pratt

Portrait of Christopher, n.d., by Mary Pratt. Collection of The Rooms, St. John’s, gift of the Family of Mary West Pratt, 2020 (2020.05.01). Courtesy of The Rooms.

© Estate of Mary Pratt / CARCC Ottawa 2026.

vintage photograph of a bungalow

The Pratt home in Salmonier, Newfoundland, June 1961. Photographer unknown. Courtesy of the Estate of Christopher Pratt. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Screen printing materials on a desk in a studio

Serigraph print-making materials from Christopher Pratt's studio, date unknown. Photographer unknown. Courtesy of the Estate of Christopher Pratt. © Estate of Christopher Pratt.

Black and white photograph of cups and containers of pencils on shelves.

Shelves in Christopher Pratt’s studio, date unknown. Photograph by Ned Pratt. Courtesy of Ned Pratt.

Painting of a supper table half cleared for a meal with sun beaming in

Supper Table, 1969, by Mary Pratt. Collection of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, Fredericton, purchased 2021 (2021.235). Courtesy of Beaverbrook Art Gallery.

© Estate of Mary Pratt / CARCC Ottawa 2026.

woman in her underwear posing with arms behind her back, leaning against a wall

This Is Donna, 1987, by Mary Pratt. Collection of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, Fredericton, gift of Jim Coutts in memory of Marion McCain, 1997 (1997.07). Courtesy of Beaverbrook Art Gallery. © Estate of Mary Pratt / CARCC Ottawa 2026.

woman on a boat holding binoculars and staring at the viewer

To Prince Edward Island, 1965, by Alex Colville. Collection of the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, purchased 1966 (14954). Courtesy of the National Gallery of Canada. © National Gallery of Canada. Photo credit: NGC.

sealers on an iceberg with torches, huddling to keep warm at night

Vision of the Lost party, 1967, by David Blackwood. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador Collection, The Rooms, St. John’s, 1961 (61.02.41). Courtesy of The Rooms. © Estate of David Blackwood.

Professionally photographed pieces of wood that Christoper Pratt had painted

Wood from the tree at Portland Creek, and drawing of the object, 1961. Photograph by Ned Pratt. Courtesy of Ned Pratt.

Book Credits


Publisher

Sara Angel


Senior Executive Editor

Victoria Nolte


Graphic Designer

Audrey Peters


Editor

Ian Coutts


Copy Editor

Janice Ho


Translator

Geneviève Blais


Proofreaders

Geneviève Blais and Janice Ho


Image Research Associate

Nell Wheal


Production Designer

Meredith Holigroski


Design Template

Underline Studio

copyright


© 2026 Art Canada Institute. All rights reserved.
Art Canada Institute


Massey College, University of Toronto

4 Devonshire Place

Toronto, ON M5S 2E1

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

Title: Christopher Pratt: life & work / by Mireille Eagan.

Names: Eagan, Mireille, 1982- author. | Container of (work): Pratt, Christopher. Works. Selections. | Art Canada Institute, publisher.

Description: Includes bibliographical references.

Identifiers: Canadiana (print) 20260142166 | Canadiana (ebook) 20260142123 | ISBN 9781487104122 (hardcover) | ISBN 9781487104092 (HTML) | ISBN 9781487104085 (PDF)

Subjects: LCSH: Pratt, Christopher. | LCSH: Pratt, Christopher—Criticism and interpretation. | LCSH: Painters—Canada—Biography. | LCSH: Printmakers—Canada—Biography. | LCGFT: Biographies.

Classification: LCC ND249.P7 E24 2026 | DDC 759.11—dc23

Copyright & Credits - Art Canada