We have gathered here tonight, in a place, which I believe Richard Harrington would have warmly approved of. A place where Photography is celebrated. A place where photographers are celebrated. A place where, this evening, Richard Harrington’s extraordinary contribution to the role that photography plays in all our lives, is being remembered and honoured.
Richard Harrington, with his great dedication, his devotion to photography – coupled with his amazing talent, and his abiding grace - has earned a special place of honor, in the sacred annals of Canada’s proud photographic history.
Richard Harrington was by anyone’s definition – a truly great photographer. Indeed, he was a Master Photographer.
Richard Harrington loved his camera. And Richard Harrington loved taking pictures. In his long and very productive life, Richard Harrington made some of the most memorable, most powerful, most unforgettable images ever bequeathed to a grateful nation. We are all enriched by his priceless photographic legacy, which is Richard Harrington’s gift to Canada.
Richard Harrington’s pictures take us into remote, far-away places. He showed us the little known treasures planted in our vast and varied land.
Richard Harrington captured the very essence of our immense Northern landscape. He showed us dazzling beauty. He showed us the unique, though often harsh – lifestyles of Canada’s Inuit People. He opened our hearts and minds to their courage – to their survival skills – and – in a single photograph, destined to be one of our country’s most famous icons, Richard Harrington immortalized the tenderness inherent in a mother’s undying love for a child. He created a photographic masterpiece: “Canada’s Madonna and Child” which will hold a “place of honour” in the world’s Treasury of Great Art.
Thank you, Richard, for the jewels you have bequeathed to us... magnificent photographs of our magnificent country. You have enriched all of our lives.
You showed us there is exquisite beauty in the world. You showed us there is pain and mystery in the world. But mainly, Richard Harrington – you showed us love.
You gave us many good reasons to take pride in our country. To take great pleasure in being Canadian.
Richard Harrington…we thank you from the depths of our very grateful hearts.
We will forever cherish your memory.
We will vigilantly guard your legacy.
And I make this solemn promise to you:
