An affectionate portrait of a man who — through enthusiasm, charm and an unparalleled network — had an extraordinary impact of Canada’s cultural evolution.
Charlotte Gray, author of The Massey Murder
With wit and insight in equal measure, Nancy Silcox traces the eventful journey of an exceptional Canadian who became an unrivalled champion of the arts in Canada. Nancy Silcox describes the many pivotal roles David Silcox played in government, academe and the private sector, reminding us that prominent among David’s gifts was the ability to make durable friendships wherever he went. The author’s words capture not only the vast sweep of David’s artistic knowledge, but just as importantly, his warmth, keen sense of humour and the joy he took from life itself.
Alan Rock, President Emeritus, University of Ottawa
David Silcox was like the Dick Clark of the Canadian art world, possessing a remarkable vitality and joie de vivre. It was a pleasure to work with him. He was a bastion of the Toronto arts community.
Christopher Cutts, Owner, Christopher Cutts Gallery
The Canadian art scene of the early 1970s was vibrant and exciting, and David Silcox was one of its greatest supporters - his laugh, his smile, his depth of knowledge, and most of all his swashbuckling, infectious enthusiasm for Canada and the arts enriched our lives and our country.
John Pratt, Senior Counsel to the Major Projects Management Office
No one else could embody the authority, charm, diplomacy, and — crucially — fundraising persuasiveness as a proven champion of Canadian art better than David Silcox. David knew everyone who mattered in Canadian art.
Ian Dejardin, Past Executive Director of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection
An engaging and all-encompassing book about David Silcox, a huge supporter of the arts. The stories from a huge swath of his many friends from all walks of life is a testament to his important impact on the art world and his deep friendships with many.
Barbara Astman, Visual Artist
David Silcox’s story is an important one because it says a lot about what Canada means in the world of art, in the world of nature, in the world ofgovernance.
From the Foreword by John Fraser