The Umbrella

Lore & Background

Artist William Ronald hosted this series concerning contemporary art. On the debut episode, Ronald discussed his paintings with a group of students. Rita Greer Allen, Barry Callaghan, and Timothy Findley were regularly correspondents on the series. Interview subjects during the series included John Cage, Jack Chambers, Greg Curnoe, Marcel Duchamp (recorded in New York), William Hutt, George and Mike Kuchar, Judy LaMarsh, Michael Langham, Margaret Laurence (recorded in the UK), Brian Macdonald, Henry Moore, Sydney Newman, James Reaney, Larry Rivers, Alan Sillitoe and Arnold Wesker. Series music was provided by a quartet led by Wray Downes of which Ed Bickert was a member.

In Their Own Story

The rain starts without warning, a grey curtain dropping over the overgrown lot beyond the fence. The Boy's bare feet slap wet gravel. He stumbles under a rusted awning, and there, leaning against a concrete post, is the Umbrella. Black canvas, slightly bent, one rib cracked. He lifts it. The rain hammers the fabric in a dull, steady drum. He walks. The world shrinks to the circle of dry air beneath the canopy. Ahead, a White Figure stands at the far gate, back turned, scanning the mist. The Boy lowers his head, steps under the umbrella's shadow, and passes. The rain keeps falling. The Figure never turns.

Reader's Guide

This half-hour series was broadcast on Sundays at 5 p.m. (Eastern) from 3 April to 26 June 1966 then from 9 October to 18 December 1966.

Did You Know?

• The Umbrella is a Canadian arts talk show, not a video game item.
• William Ronald hosted the series and discussed his paintings on the debut episode.
• Marcel Duchamp was interviewed for the series, recorded in New York.
• Margaret Laurence was interviewed for the series, recorded in the UK.