Biographies > Fred Nabb

Although Fred Nabb had no formal training in art, he studied the technique of watercolour with several artists. He also is known for his sketches and drawings. His wife, Joan Duffy Nabb wrote that he would carry his sketch pad on his journeys returning with images of towns, and villages and mines [Independence (D.S. Mine)]. The pen and ink drawing in the TAG collection of Independence Mine evokes the lonely stark landscape with only a few subtle strokes.

Fred was born in Bolton, England and graduated from the University of London in England with a degree in Mining Engineering. In 1952, he immigrated to Canada and started painting in 1967. He was a member of the Northern Ontario Art Association, and has his work accepted many times for NOAA exhibitions. He also did illustrations for locally published books and his work is in many public and private collections.

Joan Nabb wrote that when he was asked why he painted, he said, “For the pleasure and enjoyment of doing it, and to see [Joan’s] face light up when I’ve turned out a good drawing or painting”.1

1. For further details see D. Green, A Portrait. 50 years in the making, A History of the Northern Ontario Art Association, 2009