Visual Story

“Blackwood prints are technical tours de force which use etching in combination with a variety of intaglio and tonal techniques.” – Dr. Katherine Lochnan, Art Gallery of Ontario

Inspired by Prince Edward County’s maritime tradition, the Closson Chase label makes reference to international signal flags, incorporating and original painting for Closson Chase by master painter and printmaker David Blackwood. As the foundation of his painting, Blackwood used the red, white and blue of the maritime representing ‘C’ – affirmative – adjusting the blue to closely match that of the United Empire Loyalists who first settled the County at the eastern end of Lake Ontario. It is a rich colour still evident in the blue and white houses that dominate the countryside. The red may be translated appropriately as an expression of life and the animating qualities of wine. In the lower left hand side of Blackwood’s painting, the letter ‘C’ and its watery reflection echo the County’s island landscape encompassed by water. Blackwood’s elegant work graces the label of every bottle of wine produced by Closson Chase.

David Blackwood is one of Canada’s most respected artists, a “visual storyteller” whose work is found in major galleries and corporate art collections throughout Canada, as well as in numerous collections around the world, including that of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. He was the subject of a documentary film, “Blackwood,” produced by the National Film Board of Canada in recognition of his contributions to the country’s cultural life and heritage.