Decision Made About U of A's Controversial Glyde Mural

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Henry George Glyde, “Alberta History,” 1951, mural, 8.5' x 21' (photo courtesy University of Alberta)

A decision has been made about the University of Alberta’s controversial Alberta History mural by Henry George Glyde.

The mural was a gift from the artist to the university in 1951 and was unveiled during the opening of the university's Rutherford Library. 

Since then, there have been discussions about the way the artwork portrays Indigenous and European history in the province. 

In 2021, a group was formed to decide what to be done with the mural, given its deteriorating condition and subject matter. 

This year, the group and the university’s policy and planning committee gave a recommendation to Provost Verna Yiu, who accepted their recommendations. 

The work will be deaccessioned and removed as an art holding from the University of Alberta’s Museums Art Collection. “U of A Museums will then no longer be responsible for maintaining the mural, and will have no obligation for condition check,” according to the news release. 

A cover will be affixed over the mural so it can no longer be seen, and an interpretive panel will be added next to it, explaining the mural’s history and why it’s covered. Information will also be given for anyone who wants to view it digitally. A digital archive of the work will be maintained for future generations.

Source: University of Alberta Museums