Remembering Else Lewer: A Pioneer of Canada's Mid-Century Modern Design

Else Lewer, a prominent figure in Canada’s mid-century modern design movement, passed away on March 9, 2025, in Agassiz, British Columbia, at the age of 99 after battling Alzheimer’s disease. Born on December 26, 1925, in Buford, Alberta, Lewer contributed significantly to the evolution of Canadian art and design, leaving a lasting legacy through her creative work and forthright personality.

Lewer, whose parents immigrated from Galicia in the early 1900s, grew up in a culturally rich environment that shaped her artistic sensibilities. Despite the challenges of her early life, including the death of her mother when she was just five years old, Lewer's passion for art and design flourished. She secured a clerical position at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa at the age of 18, where she began to immerse herself in the vibrant social and cultural scene of the capital.

In 1950, Lewer married Neil Lewer, a young real estate agent, and together they navigated the burgeoning design scene in Ottawa. Their home, built in the early 1960s by Schoeler & Barkham Architects, became an exemplar of mid-century modern architecture. Lewer’s involvement in the arts expanded through her volunteering at the Ottawa Little Theatre and her work with the National Film Board and the National Design Centre during the 1950s. Notably, she served as the assistant creative director for Canada’s Pavilion at Expo 67 in Montreal—an achievement that marked a pinnacle in her career.

After her divorce in 1965, Lewer pursued further education at Carleton University, earning master’s degrees in anthropology and cultural geography by the age of 47. Her academic pursuits complemented her artistic endeavors, leading her to work with the Victoria Memorial Museum and the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs, where she researched and developed themes that enriched Canadian heritage.

Lewer's partnership with designer Robin Bush blossomed in the 1970s, resulting in a successful business collaboration. Their shared love for sailing and the arts created a unique bond that endured until Bush’s passing in 1982. Even after retiring, Lewer remained active in the arts community, attending exhibitions and engaging with contemporary artists.

Throughout her life, Lewer was known for her vibrant personality and her ability to speak her mind. Her nephew, Morley Blazenko, recalled her as a fearless woman who remained direct and candid, even after her Alzheimer's diagnosis at age 88. Lewer continued to engage with her surroundings, filled with a collection of Canadian art and furniture designs by Bush, until her later years.

After her passing, some of her significant furniture pieces were donated to the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Ottawa, ensuring that her contributions to Canadian design are preserved for future generations. Lewer's family expressed their pride in her achievements, recognizing her as a key figure in shaping Canada’s national identity through her artistic endeavors.

As Canada reflects on Lewer's legacy, her fearless approach to design and her unwavering commitment to the arts continue to inspire new generations of artists and designers. The impact of her work resonates not only within Canada but also in the broader context of the global design community, solidifying her place as a pioneer of mid-century modern design in Canada.