metalmorphosis
Metal artwork of Edward Oliver, 1970 to 1978
Latest Submission
Introduction
Edward Oliver
Canadian artist Edward Oliver (b.1933, Edmonton AB; d. 1986, Surrey, BC) rose to prominence in the heyday of Vancouver’s “Gastown” arts and crafts scene in the 1970s. Oliver discovered metal artwork during trips to California in the early 1960s. He opened his first gallery in Edmonton, Alberta in 1970, in an old warehouse that he converted into a hippie arts and crafts mall which he called Old Market Lane. He rented out partitioned sections of the building to various small shops – clothing, fabric, candle, and incense shops, a used record store, and other artisan and artist stalls. He kept the largest space at the back of the building for his gallery, which he named Metalmorphosis.
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In 1972, he moved to Vancouver and opened shop in Gastown at 117, and within a year 165 Water St. Soon after, he bought the Terminus Hotel at 28-32 Water Street, creating the largest independent metal artwork gallery on the west coast, initially in partnership with fellow artist Michael Hewitt, though they parted ways a few years later. Metalmorphosis Gallery sold to art lovers from around the world until 1977, when a massive heart attack forced Oliver into early retirement. Edward Oliver died in 1986.
Oliver signed all of his work with a black felt-tipped marker, usually on the lower right-hand corner of a wall sculpture, or on the bottom of a standing piece. You still find them in second-hand stores and “mid-century modern” stores, usually labelled as “brutalist art,” though I believe that Oliver’s work creates its own category.
Although certain basic shapes in the designs are common among many metal artwork artists of this period, Ed Oliver's more abstract designs are unique in their incorporation of shapes influenced by the First Nations art so prevalent in Vancouver. In this respect, Oliver's larger pieces are unique.
– John Oliver, son of the artist, curator of this site, artistic advisor
About this site
This site aims to rediscover and document the work of Vancouver artist Edward Oliver. Although his life was cut short, his work remains. One of the exciting aspects of this project is matching up photos submitted by those visiting this site with works for which a photo exists from the 1970s. See the example below. Help us celebrate Ed’s work by submitting your own photo.
Original photographs from the 1970s
Gallery 1
Early freelance work
Old Market Lane, Edmonton Alberta, 1970-72
Gallery 2
A Walk Through METALMORPHOSIS
Gallery 3
Featured Pieces
Gallery 4
1973-1978 at the historic Terminus Hotel, 28 Water Street, Gastown, Vancouver
Most of the pictures were taken in 1975. No pictures found of the first gallery space at 165 Water St.
Oliver sculptures today
Today, Ed Oliver’s sculptures continue to be found in private homes and public places in Canada and around the world, and for sale at Mid-Century Modern shops and online. If you have seen one, or you own one, please contact us. By submitting a photo of your piece, you may also choose to become part of the Art Bank. Details about submitting your photo and the Art Bank are here.
As the curator of the Gallery of Today, I welcome all submissions. But I am especially interested to see photos of special commissions, early works, and large pieces. It gives me great pleasure to know that my fathers work remains cherished to this day.
What’s my piece worth today?
Most of the large wall pieces produced in Gastown in the mid-1970s had a price tage of between $200 - $400 Canadian dollars. In today’s dollars, that would be approximately $1,000 to $2,000. On the used art market today you will likely find asking prices under $900 Canadian dollars.
Send us a photo to be featured in The OLIVER Worldwide Gallery of Today
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The OLIVER Worldwide Gallery of Today
Oliver sculptures spotted or submitted by you. CLICK any IMAGE to see full gallery. Click here to contribute a photo.
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OLIVER ART BANK
How it works
When you submit a photo of your OLIVER original to our web site, you are automatically included in the online OLIVER Worldwide Gallery of Today. This gallery proudly displays OLIVER originals that are still seen today in private and public spaces. It also functions as an Art Bank for those looking to rent an OLIVER original for their movie production, or special event. If you are interested to include your piece in the OLIVER ART BANK, you can let us know when you contact us. If you choose to be part of the Art Bank, your photo will be tagged with "Art Bank" so that those consulting the web site to rent an OLIVER original will know your piece is available. If your piece is chosen, I will take care of every aspect of the rental process, from drawing up a rental agreement, negotiating a fair price with you, pickup, delivery, and care during the rental. Your work will be returned to you in the condition it left. In the unlikely event damage does occur, I will oversee any repairs needed to bring it back to the condition it was in when it left your home.
Contributing your photo
Please send photos of the artwork hanging on a wall or in an appropriate display location. Try to exclude any other visual items in the photo and make sure no element of the design is cut off. Please don’t send photos of the artwork on the floor or carpet. Please ensure that you are either using a professional camera, or that your portable camera is set to take pictures at high resolution. 1 MB is the minimum file size I can accept. I prefer images that are at least 2400 pixels on the longest side.
Renting OLIVER art
If you are interested to rent an Edward Oliver original sculpture for your production or special event, simply browse the OLIVER Worldwide Gallery of Today and look for items tagged "Art Bank". John Oliver will negotiate and manage the entire rental and licensing process. I am able to contact most of the owners whose works are displayed, and so even if a work is not "officially" in the Art Bank, be in touch and we'll see if the owner wishes to rent out their piece.
Repairing OLIVER art
Edward Oliver’s metal sculptures were created during the 1970s. The condition and integrity of the artwork can deteriorate over time when it is moved, stored, handled, etc. Contact me to arrange for a free consultation (by photos and/or Skype/Facetime) about the condition of your piece. All you have to do is provide photos showing front and back, and I will advise you about the condition and possible adjustment or repair. We have access to a complete repair shop. On occasion, house calls may be available.
metalmorphosis
Metal artwork of Edward Oliver
Do you own, or have you spotted an Oliver original?
Let us know, or just say hello if you remember the gallery.
The Oliver Tradition continues…
Randy Oliver, Ed Oliver’s nephew, has been a visual artist since an early age. He works mainly in oils and acrylic, as well as mixed media. Explore his visual art at randyoliver.ca
