Arthur Müdry
Arthur Müdry (1932-2024) was amongst a cohort of early West Coast Modernists whose creative voice contributed uniquely to the experimental culture of our regional mid-century modern ethos. His body of work, characterized by a deep respect for the natural world, which he considered sacrosanct, was set apart by an early interest in aeronautical engineering that undoubtedly influenced his aptitude for geometric and structural exploration.
Arthur spent his early years in Field, British Columbia, where his Ukrainian immigrant parents worked on the railways and instilled in their children the importance and value of education. When Arthur was of school age, he relocated to Calgary to live with his grandmother and attend grade school. Following high school graduation, he joined the University of Manitoba’s School of Architecture where he spent five years before moving to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to complete a three-year post-graduate degree. Thereafter, a former Dean invited Arthur to return to Manitoba where he would teach for several years, often taking his students on pilgrimages to Chicago to experience first-hand the works of Frank Lloyd Wright.
Arthur would eventually move to Vancouver and get married to who would become his life-long partner Hazel. Together they raised three children in West Vancouver and continued to live in the community for the remainder of their lives. They resided in a home that was built in the same year that Arthur was born, working on the house, removing all the doors (because Arthur did not like doors), knocking down walls, and playing with the roofline. Their home was filled with their passions – artwork from Haida Gwaii, family photos, an extensive library of design and architecture books, and Arthur’s studio.
Arthur Müdry was a tireless architect, spending many late nights in his studio. In a 2017 interview with League Board member Wendi Campbell, Arthur stated that “you must love architecture and design because it is an all-consuming profession.” Later that year, at the League’s ‘Masters of West Coast Modernism’ event, celebrating their professional accomplishments, Arthur and fellow architect Blair Macdonald reunited for the first time in 40 years, where we learned that their last interaction had been the day they both quit a development company they had together been employed. Arthur spent much of his career sustaining his own architectural practice, sharing studio space for a time with Fred and Russell Hollingsworth in West Vancouver’s Woyat-Bowie Building. Most recognized for his residential designs, Arthur considered it a great privilege to work alongside families in the creation of their homes. Most notably were his designs for the 1965 Beaton House and 1989 Chun House, both in West Vancouver and featured in the annual West Coast Modern Home Tour. Equally impressive was the 1964 St. Stephen’s United Church in Vancouver, and the hyperbolic paraboloid forms of the 1967 West Vancouver Baptist Church.
Beyond architecture, Arthur was an avid runner and a contributor to the community, actively involved in the Society Protecting Environmental Conservation, the North Shore Association for the Mentally Handicapped, Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network, and the West Vancouver Nomad’s running group.
[Middle/Top Right]: Selwyn Pullan, 1965. Collection of West Vancouver Art Museum.
[Left/Bottom Right]: Martin Knowles, 2017. Collection of West Vancouver Art Museum.
In 2017, for the League’s “Masters of West Coast Modernism,” we asked Arthur to select mementos of personal and professional significance. These are the items he chose.
Frank Lloyd Wright
Arthur had a vast collection of Frank Lloyd Wright books in his personal library. Why? Because Arthur regarded Frank Lloyd Wright as his hero. When Arthur was in academia, he took great pleasure in taking his graduating students on tours to Chicago to give them the opportunity to experience Frank Lloyd Wright’s works first hand. Arthur’s appreciation for Wright’s genius is evident in the principles employed in his own work and in the passion expressed when he spoke of his work.
Foldout of a Street in Venice
Arthur had a deep admiration and appreciation for the Piazza San Marco in Venice. Fostering a sense of community is central to the Piazza, a place where the community comes together to share a meal, have a conversation, fall in love, conduct commerce or simply to pass through. The Piazza is a commons; a place that is the social, religious and political centre of Venice. It is an extension of the home. In the same way, Arthur has commented that our homes and families do not stop at the front door, they extend into our communities, shaping and building them constantly.
West Vancouver Baptist Church
The West Vancouver Baptist Church, built in 1967, is one of the most significant works of Arthur Müdry’s career. He was equally passionate about the place; the forest is part of the sanctuary – and the building, with a roofline comprised of four hyperbolic paraboloids, gives strength and light to the congregation. There is only a single cross in the sanctuary, directly above the baptismal tank. Light penetrates from the north, south, east and west and the tops of the trees can be seen from each direction. Outside of the church is a garden courtyard with several smaller buildings for gatherings and community groups. Arthur admitted that it is a truly special place for weddings and worship.
Arthur Müdry (August 2017). Interview with Wendi Campbell, West Coast Modern League.
Arthur Müdry Personal Archives.
