Library and Archives Canada Acquires Cartoonist Lynn Johnston's Material

March, 13, 2014 - Gatineau, QC - Library and Archives Canada

Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is pleased to announce that it has acquired a significant amount of new material to complement the Lynn Johnston fonds.

Born in Collingwood Ontario, Lynn Johnston is one of Canada’s most celebrated cartoonists. Her beloved and award-winning comic strip For Better or For Worse, which follows the fictional lives of the Patterson family, was syndicated in over 2,000 newspapers around the world. Her characters have also appeared in several animated televised specials, and her strips have been republished in over 35 bestselling annuals and special collections. Although stories about the lives of the Patterson family ended in 2007, For Better or For Worse continues to be syndicated in reruns and remains present in almost as many markets as it was before.

During her career, Johnston has received numerous honours, including the National Cartoonists Society's prestigious Reuben Award in 1985 and the Order of Canada in 1992. She was also nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in 1994, and was inducted in the International Museum of Cartoon Art’s Hall of Fame in Florida in 1998.

Quick facts

This new addition consists of 3,282 drawings, 296 watercolours, 3.5 metres worth of textual material, 244 photographs and 20 items of reproductions and other objects.

Quote

"This is a remarkable addition to our holdings. Lynn Johnston's work is significant to Canadians. We recognize ourselves in her characters' reaction to everyday life."

Hervé Déry
Acting Librarian and Archivist of Canada, Library and Archives Canada

Related Products

The complete description of the fonds, as well as biographical notes, are available online.
Enjoy some of Lynn Johnston's work available on the LAC Facebook page.

Associated Links

Individuals can currently access the content in person and on demand only. Individuals can make the most of their visit by preparing in advance and consulting the Copies and Visiting tab on the top menu bar of the LAC homepage or view the Orientation Services for Clients at 395 Wellington video or read the blog post The Top Five Things You Need to Know Before You Visit.

Lynn Johnston official website.

Contacts

Media Relations
Library and Archives Canada
819-994-4589
MEDIA@bac-lac.gc.ca

About Library and Archives Canada

The mandate of Library and Archives Canada is to preserve the documentary heritage of Canada for the benefit of present and future generations, and to be a source of enduring knowledge accessible to all, thereby contributing to the cultural, social and economic advancement of Canada. Library and Archives Canada also facilitates co-operation among communities involved in the acquisition, preservation and diffusion of knowledge, and serves as the continuing memory of the Government of Canada and its institutions. Stay connected with Library and Archives Canada on Twitter (@LibraryArchives), Facebook, Flickr and YouTube.