AnOther’s Lovers presents a painterly view of Canada's Rocky Mountains
Have you ever cast your eyes upon a view so magnificent that it has literally taken your breath away? Banff National Park, situated at the heart of Canada’s Rocky Mountains, is the proud owner of one such skyline; a dramatic, piercing zigzag of snow-capped mountains, framed with a sky so blue it turns the magnificent lake beneath it a similarly brilliant topaz shade. This is the picture-perfect panorama featured in this 1957 photograph, in which a group of students paint the scene for posterity, which was loved by AnOther's social media editor, Daisy Woodward.
Story has it that the site was first discovered by three meandering Canadian Pacific Railway Construction workers in the autumn of 1883, when they stumbled across a cave containing hot springs on the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains. It was quickly anointed Canada’s first national park, and these days it sits, proud and postcard picture-ready, awaiting the flocks of visitors drawn to traipse across its rolling hills and praise its majestic beauty.
On this autumnal morning, we’re happily absorbing the tranquility Banff has to offer via proxy of pixels; breathe in deeply, and you can almost taste the fresh Canadian air. Read on to see why Woodward loved the photograph too.
Why did you love this photograph of students painting Banff National Park?
"It’s just such a beautiful photograph and it looks like the perfect day out – sunshine, an amazing view, a spot of painting and complete tranquility."
If it belonged to you, where would you keep this photograph?
"Probably in a wooden frame above my desk to keep me zen."
What’s the most beautiful horizon you’ve ever cast your eyes on?
"The unbelievable view across Florence from the basilica San Miniato al Monte is hard to beat."
If you’d been a teenager in 1957, what would you have spent your days doing?
"If I’d been in America, I hope I would have sought out all the amazing R&B and jazz bars, dressed like Alison in Cry-Baby (post-makeover). I doubt I would’ve been half as cool though, sadly."
How are your painting skills?
"Not as good as I’d like them to be. I used to love oil painting but I haven’t done it since I was a teenager."
If you could spend a day painting an awe-inspiring landscape anywhere in the world right now, where would it be?
"The northern lights in Iceland – one day!"
What are you looking forward to about the Autumn?
"Log fires, woolly jumpers and red wine – and one of my best friends having a baby!"
