The Sampson-Matthews Prints Project was a Canadian initiative that brought art into everyday life during the Second World War. By producing and distributing original prints, the project connected leading artists with the public, offering a visual record of the countries landscapes, people, and shared experience during a pivotal moment in history.
The Sampson-Matthews Prints Project was a uniquely Canadian cultural undertaking that brought artists, printers, and the public together during a defining moment in the country’s history.
Established during the Second World War, the project aimed to produce affordable, high-quality art while fostering national identity, cultural unity, and resilience in uncertain times.
Through collaboration between The National Gallery of Canada, Sampson-Matthews Ltd., and some of Canada’s most respected artists, original artworks were translated into prints that could be widely distributed and accessed beyond traditional galleries. These works depicted Canadian landscapes, communities, and everyday life, capturing both the quiet strength and a collective spirit.
This site serves as an informational archive — a place to explore the artists involved, the works they produced, and the broader historical context surrounding the project. By preserving and organizing this material, the Sampson-Matthews Prints Project continues to offer insight into how art, industry, and history intersected to shape a lasting cultural legacy.
This is an ever growing informational archive, and should you have any additional information or stories, please contact us here
The Canadian painter has no traditions — he must create his own.”
— A.Y. Jackson
