By Staff
September 29, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON.
They’ve done it every year for the past 17 years. The cottage they live in and work out of is located on Beach Blvd in Hamilton – but because it is more like a part of Burlington than Hamilton (except for the taxes) they seem like local people.
Cora Brittan was the calligraphist who did the work for the first Royal Reading presentation to Prince George on the occasion of his first birthday. Royal Reading was a collection of greetings from the people of Burlington.
They are both artists. She is petite, he has a pony tail. They winter in Mexico and usually rent their home while they are south.
They are not wealthy people – they just live their lives and do their art.
Cora has a well-developed calligraphy skill and did the inscriptions for Royal Reading, the presentation the Gazette made to Prince George on the occasion of his first birthday.
On a weekend in the middle of October – 18th and 19th – Cora and Eric Brittan will host their 17th annual Open House art sale. The event will run from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Much of Cora Brittan’s work has a light, whimsy, almost magical touch to it.
Their home is next to what used to be the Bell Cairn Public school but is now the Training Centre for the Provincial Correctional Service located on Beach Blvd. Cross the canal and swing into Beach Blvd.
The neighbourhood has a rich history. There was a time when the Blvd was being used by heavy trucks – mothers blocked the road with their baby carriages to stop that kind of traffic.
They do things differently in Hamilton.
… Small point, I think just about every long-standing Beach Blvd resident (and newbies too) would say they’re not Hamiltonians EXACTLY. It’s more of an ‘island’ community in spirit. By name, sure, ‘Hamilton’, but otherwise it’s the ‘Beach Strip’ ~ and, as noted, it’s a ‘community’ that encompasses those from both Burlington & Hamilton. Bit of a quirky independent bunch!
Note that whatever the weather is in Burlington or Hamilton, expect a completely different mix on the strip!
I often compare it to ‘Brigadoon’ … And then, of course, there is the majesty of the Lake & the beach on the doorstep.
For those interested in more: google the HamiltonBeachCommunity.com ~ lots of historical photos & lively social commentary.