In 2005, master wood engraver and bookwright Gerard Brender À Brandis embarked on a captivating new journey when he purchased a charming Greek Revival Cottage in Stratford, Ontario. This cottage, built in 1866, is rich with history. Remarkably, it was meticulously restored in the 1980s by James Anderson, the first archivist for Perth County. Anderson’s foresight and dedication to preserving the architectural integrity of this gem came at a time when many historic buildings were being lost to demolition.
Gerard, along with his sister Marianne, invites viewers into their world, showcasing the intricate processes involved in wood engraving and bookmaking. Through his work, Gerard not only celebrates these traditional arts but also honours the legacy of those who have fought to preserve our built history.
This is the story of a unique cottage, a determined archivist, and a skilled artist, woven together into a rich tapestry of historical events and traditional arts.
Credits:
Director – – ANDREW C. BROWN
Producer – – NANCY MUSSELMAN
SPECIAL THANKS TO
GERARD BRENDER À BRANDIS
MARIANNE BRANDIS
CAMBRIA RAVENHILL
DEAN ROBINSON
BETTY JO BELTON
NORMA CARDIFF
MICHAEL MURRAY
LUCINDA JONES
TED SZYMANIS
DAVE WALKER
MARTHA COURTNEY, Village Studios
Nic Larsen, Facilities Supervisor, Perth County, Public Works
STRATFORD-PERTH ARCHIVES
BETTY JO BELTON
ELLEN THOMAS
CINDY J. SINKO
ARCHIVAL MATERIAL COURTESY
STRATFORD-PERTH ARCHIVES
MARIANNE BRANDIS
GERARD BRENDER À BRANDIS
STOCK MUSIC – PIXABAY
lemonmusicstudio – Leva – Eternity
William King – Natural
orangery – Coniferous Forest
Playing In Color
Julius H – Guitar Ballad Unplugged
White Records – Easy dramatic Waltz
Natures Eye – Autumn Rain
nickpanek620 – happy sappy piano pop
Good B Music – Epic Heart
Good B Music – Angle Piano (Main)
Coma Media – Acoustic Motivation
Happy Day
Piano Amor – Spring Forest
Lesfm – Morning Dew
The Mountain – This Acoustic Happy
geoffharvey – The Songbirds
PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH
STRATFORD & DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY
JAYNE TRACHSEL
CAROLE HUBAND
ALLAN TYE
NANCY MUSSELMAN
MARY WALTON
PAT BOLTON
AND MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY
AN ANDREW C. BROWN FILM © 2024