Joseph Ernest Sampson

Joseph Ernest Sampson (July11, 1887 October29, 1946), was an artist, designer and printer who was co-founder, senior partner and president of the printing firm of Sampson-Matthews Ltd. with Charles (Chuck) Matthews (1890-1990) from 1918 to 1946. He is best known today for the Sampson-Matthews silkscreens.

Career Sampson, born in Liverpool, where he won several awards as he did at the Julian Academy in Paris, as well as the Académie de la Grande Chaumière and Colarossi Academy which he attended later. and elsewhere. He was a member of several artist groups in his career, including the Ontario Society of Artists (1914); the Arts and Letters Club (President 1938-1940); co-founder of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour (CSPWC/SCPA); the Graphic Arts Club, Toronto; and an Associate Member of the Royal Academy of Arts (ARCA) (1939).

Sampson-Matthews Silkscreens The silkscreens began as reproductions of Canadian paintings by Canadian artists made for the Armed Forces. Group of Seven member A.Y. Jackson worked with Sampson-Matthews Ltd. and Sampson art director and Group of Seven member A.J. Casson in the choice of artist and subject matter. The first silkscreen was produced in 1941 and the project continued till 1963, serving as a publicizing tool for Canadian art and artists. The 117 Sampson-Matthews silkscreens are widely collected today.