The 52: Stories of Women Who Transformed Toronto
52% of Torontonians are women. It's time we tell their
Image: Myseum of Toronto.
Frances Loring was a community leader who opened her home to Toronto’s arts community. Her art haven was recognized as the “most fascinating gathering place in the country” by A.Y. Jackson.
1887 - 1968 | Sculpture Artist and Community Leader
Frances Loring, a leading sculptor of 20th-century Canada, exhibited a versatile artistic talent spanning architectural designs to war monuments. Originally hailing from the United States, Loring and her lifelong partner Florence Wyle made a lasting impact in Toronto after their arrival in 1913. Their home and studio became a hub for Toronto’s arts community for nearly five decades. During World War I, Loring was commissioned by the Canadian War Records to sculpt industrial workers on the home front. Her illustrious career included membership in the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, a founding role in the Sculptors Society of Canada, and representation at the 1960 Venice Biennale.
Today, Torontonians are reminded of Loring’s remarkable legacy as her lion sculpture in the Queen Elizabeth Way Monument (1939) watches over the city.
Explore more women who transformed Toronto.
Explore More
Content
The 52: Stories of Women Who Transformed Toronto
52% of Torontonians are women. It's time we tell their stories.
Marcus Garvey and the UNIA
Learn how --
Winners & Losers
Sports Histories of Toronto
Meet The 52
Explore the full list of 52 remarkable women that make up the foundation of our multi-year project.
Bianca Andreescu
Bianca Andreescu has raised the global profile of tennis for Canadians. As one of the youngest winners of a Grand Slam singles title, Andreescu is the highest-ranked Canadian in Women’s
Beatrice Worsley
Beatrice Worsley is recognized as Canada’s first female computer scientist. Her lifetime of research and work in the field were at the forefront of Canada’s burgeoning computer science sector.
Menaka Thakkar
Menaka Thakkar established Canada’s first professional Indian dance company in 1978. Thakkar blended different cultural dance styles to co-create a performance called “East Meets West” in which she bridged cultural
Kathleen Taylor
Kathleen Taylor breaks ground no matter what industry she stands in. An accomplished business leader, her career continues to break barriers and light the way for women at major corporate
Emily Stowe
Emily Stowe was a founder of the Canadian Women’s Suffrage Association and the first female physician to publicly practice medicine in Ontario.
Min Sook Lee
Min Sook Lee is an industry-recognized filmmaker who advocates for social justice at the intersection of art and social change through her films and professorship at OCAD University.