Please note that the West Vancouver Art Museum is closed. The Art Museum will reopen for regular hours on January 22, 2025. Please join us for the opening reception Neighbours | 邻·礼: Xiangmei Su and Jiangang Su, taking place January 21, 2025. 

Léon Coupey To Madame Léon Coupey (Paris) Ink on card
Léon Coupey To Madame Léon Coupey (Paris). Ink on card, 3 ½" x 5 ½," 1905. Collection Pierre Coupey, Vancouver. Set 2.4.

Léon Coupey: My Dearest Kate

About the exhibition

This exhibition showcases a selection of postcards sent by Léon Maurice Coupey (1864–1925), the majority of which were addressed to “his beloved Katie,” (Kate Barlow Hunt Coupey, 1873-1943), during their courtship and through their early married life.

A lawyer by profession, Léon was an inventive and talented artist who decorated his postcards with calligraphy, landscapes, caricatures, and self-portraits.

These cards present not only a snapshot into this relationship, but also of Europe at the turn of the 20th century. They were married in London in 1904 and had four children. Many of the cards are held in the care of West Vancouver artist, Pierre Coupey, who is Léon and Kate’s grandson.

Film

The art museum was pleased to partner with the School of Motion Picture Arts Capilano University and students Gourav Arya and Laurel Scott to make this film about the exhibition.

Art Talks 

Léon Coupey: My Dearest Kate Panel Discussion, presented with the West Vancouver Memorial Library.

Events and guided tours

View the events page for information on curatorial tours.

Events and guided tours