Did you know Robert Markle portrayed Rembrandt in the television show ‘Witness to Yesterday’?

Sponsored by Shell Canada Limited in 1974, “Witness to Yesterday” offered a fresh and fascinating perspective on history. Patrick Watson was the writer, producer and director of the show.

Watson also conducted the “interviews” of the historical guests. The questions were designed to explore the myths and theories that had developed over the years and re-created some of history’s finest personalities from Queen Victoria, William Shakespeare and Alexander the Great.

The episode staring Markle highlighted Rembrandt’s career and discussed some important works by the artist. Markle dressed in costume to portray the artist and was passionate when describing Rembrandt’s artistic vision.

The interview never seemed scripted as both Watson and Markle fed off each other during each response. Anxiousness and frustration arose when personal questions were asked about the hardships Rembrandt faced in his life.

Did you know Robert Markle had a close relationship with musician Gordon Lightfoot?

Did you know Robert Markle had a close relationship with Canadian folk legend Gordon Lightfoot?

In fact, he wrote articles about their friendship and discussed his opinions on Gordon’s career and musical abilities.

In one article titled “Knowing Lightfoot: A Friend’s Portrait of the Artist at Work and Play” Robert gave a different perspective on Lightfoot’s work process.

He also gave a personal look into how Lightfoot would unwind with friends after his concerts. Robert had a genuinely honest and close relationship with Lightfoot for many years.

Robert also painted Gordon Lightfoot’s portrait that was to be used for an album cover. The art director for the album decided to go with a photograph of Lightfoot instead.

Gordon kept the portrait Markle created and hung it in his house and to this very day deeply admires the piece.

Robert had a deep passion for music, especially for folk singer Gordon Lightfoot. His admiration showed in his artwork and writings that resulted in the lengthy articles about Gordon in The Canadian Magazine, Maclean’s Magazine and many others.

Did you know about Markle’s television pilot?

Did you know that before Robert Markle passed away he piloted a T.V show called ‘Something’s Brewing’ that featured micro-breweries in Canada?

Robert and Patrick Watson were beginning a series that would feature Markle as a host and writer as he travelled throughout Canada to find micro-breweries in beautiful and interesting places.

In the pilot he visited Creemore Springs Brewery and interviewed the owner along with local politicians, historians and other community members. Robert also painted and sketched local scenes (such as those shown on this page).

Robert said, “It is an education for me that I’d like to pass on to all the other beer drinkers. I’d like to show the beer drinkers out there that there’s a choice out there when it comes to beer”.

‘Something’s Brewing’ didn’t just focus on the beer but the people and places and the impact the brewery had on the community.

Markle felt the film had direction and would give options to a new audience and give them a chance to learn something new. The show never aired since Robert died tragically in 1990. They didn’t want the project to move forward without Robert’s presence.

Did you know Markle was an unconventional teacher?

Robert Markle was a founding member of Arts’ Sake Inc. and a teacher at the New School of Art, but did you know that he had some of the most unconventional teaching methods for his students?

He would drive down to Toronto two days a week and his classes were most likely to be held in the Brunswick Tavern.

Conversations would take over the lessons amongst pitchers of beer. Markle challenged his students to look deep within their own work “and try to figure out why they’re all so shitty”.

He also felt, “I don’t see it as my job to give my students anything. I think it’s their job to get what they want from me. They have to come to me. And they know where they can find me when they have to”.

Past student and artist Vera Frenkel recalls pouring a pitcher of beer over Markle’s head after one of his pompous rants. It was then she earned his undying respect.

Students were mesmerized by him. One stated “He’s an original. He’s at the centre of whatever’s going on. You always get the feeling that whatever he does, he likes teaching best of all”.

Despite not having a formal class setting, students respected Robert enough to follow him to the tavern and listen to every criticism and encouragement he offered. Without the New School of Art and having practicing artists teach those classes, the artists may have never gained the perspective they needed for their own artwork.

Robert Markle – Did You Know? #1

In 1967, the BBC created a show called ‘Panorama’ which showcased many cities in Canada giving viewers a deep look into our country before Expo ’67.

Did you know that Robert Markle was chosen to interpret the city of Toronto for this television show?

He was not the obvious choice to the public but many felt he knew the city well and could give an interesting perspective. He truly loved the city of Toronto and his work and career showed that. He met with writers and cameramen to escort them around town giving them his view on the city he constantly observed.

The show wanted to “ask people if Canada has a national identity” and wanted the creative representations rather than the man on the street. They highlighted Toronto’s heritage and its expanding environment to create a unique picture of what Toronto represented at that time. Robert was able to discuss these ideas along with showcasing his art as they filmed him creating one of his tempera drawings. The film crew also captured an Artists’ Jazz Band jam session.

The show premiered a week before Expo ’67 and highlighted the nationalism so many felt towards their country.