Have you seen the show-stopping A John St. Morning mural at the museum? A larger version of the David Oram painting of the same name, the artwork was added to Roundhouse Park in 2009. We spoke with the artist to learn more about the original painting and chat about his favourite artwork.
Hi David! We’re excited to be chatting with you about your paintings. Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am originally from a small town called Malton, Ontario near Pearson Airport and currently live in Bradford with my wife and two kids. I’ve done artwork for Canadian Pacific Railway, Canadian National Railways, and Juniata Terminal Company and Webb Rail LLC. Also, I’ve been honoured to have nine coin designs selected by the Royal Canadian Mint.
When did you start painting?
I’ve drawn or painted for most of my life but only really attempted it seriously when I was in late teens.
Tell us a little about your painting, A John St. Morning. What was the process like having it turned into a mural?
In 2009 I was approached by TRHA historian Derek Boles and the City of Toronto about using some of my artwork for signage at the new railway museum at the John St. Roundhouse. Additionally, this included using an image of my painting, A John St. Morning, for a large mural on the side wall of the coal tower. At first they thought about using a type of vinyl wrap but decided against it because they found out it wouldn’t adhere to the brickwork. After that, they decided it would be best to hire a mural company to paint it.
Do you have a favourite painting you’ve done?
It’s really hard for me to choose a favourite painting I’ve done but if I had to choose it would be “2816 on the Little Pic River Bridge”. The piece is a commissioned painting I did for the Canadian Pacific Railway in 2000.
Can you describe your process when painting such technical details like locomotives?
It involves lots of research using books, magazines or photos I’ve found on the internet. Sometimes they’re my own photos I’ve taken over the years. I’ve also used HO scale model locomotives as photo reference for my paintings.
Do you have a personal connection to the railways?
In the 1970 and 1980s my dad would take us to George’s Trains on Mount Pleasant [Road], or we would go down to the Spadina Roundhouse, next to CPR’s John Street Roundhouse, and see the various types of VIA Rail locomotives. Back then you could walk into the office and sign a release form allowing [you] to wander around. My older brother was a locomotive engineer with CN for over 30 years and recently retired.
Toronto’s Rail Lands
David’s painting comes alive in its environment, which has certainly changed over the years. From the mid-1850s until 1985, the entire area between Toronto’s Bay and York Streets was covered in railway tracks. Located in the heart of these rail lands, the John Street Roundhouse helped satisfy the soaring popularity of steam train travel. Consequently, its maintenance shops and facilities were in operation 24/7 at the height of the steam era.
The switch from steam power to diesel, completed by the Canadian Pacific Railway by 1960, spelled the end for Canadian roundhouses like John Street. It closed in 1986.
Although the rail lands area has changed over time, Toronto’s railway heritage can still be found in the heart of the city. To sum up, the Toronto Railway Museum is located inside the John Street Roundhouse. In other words, be sure to tag us (@TORailwayMuseum) in your mural photos – we love to see them!
