Ted Goodden Treasures Available by Gord Sinclair A treasure trove of original artwork with a strong Old South con- nection has recently come back into the light and represents a unique opportunity for Londoners to support the library and acquire an original piece of art by well-known artist Ted Goodden. Even though Ted and his partner, writer and poet Cornelia Hoogland left London for Hornby Island, B.C., over a decade ago, his stained glass works are all over the City of London, most notably at Centennial Hall, Mount St. Joseph’s, Covent Garden Market and Landon Library, where 12 beautiful panels combine seasonal images with the words of well-known London writers and poets (samples below). Now, the original paintings upon which the stained glass panels were based are out of storage to go on display at Landon Library and offered for sale at $1200 each, with proceeds going to the London Public Library. (Preferred date Saturday, May 20, 2 to 4:30 pm. Contact George Sinclair at (519) 672 3468 for updates and more information). Here’s Ted’s side of the story: “The twelve Landon Library Windows were created over three years from 1997 to 1999 and installed just before the turn of the millennium. The colour studies on offer (oil pastel, pencil crayon, and water- colour) were done in advance of the windows, so that the writers could choose the image that spoke to them personally. When they submitted their poetry, I could respond to the writing and fine- tune the translation of the preliminary drawings into stained glass windows and bring the collaborative process full circle. That was a quarter century ago, and it remains a highlight of my artistic career. I’m thankful for the opportunity afforded to me by the London Public Library system, and to the generosity of patrons of the Landon Library in particular, who stepped forward to offer financial sponsorship for the project. I’m thankful also to my agent, Al Stewart of Westland Gallery, who has agreed to facilitate this fundraising campaign.”
Elizabeth tells me, “Over time, water shifts. Rivers bend, and the more they bend, they often create coves which would account for the region we all know as ‘The Coves’”. She adds that Thames Park, defined as a floodplain, is not just a floodplain, but just an extension of the river. The closure of the pool in Thames Park, due to the consistent flooding and frost heave on the pool would support that claim. According to Elizabeth, “The underground waterways are not static but shift over time. This occurs when projects, such as high-rises, are created”. Elizabeth’s online research was picked up by the city’s water department, and they contacted her. It was not surprising that the map she created was 90% accurate to the historical presence of underground tributaries of the Thames River. As we welcome and embrace the spring season in Old South, we must also recognize how the south branch of the Thames River influences the presence of these waterways, which strongly suggests the necessity of a sump pump in our basements.
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Wortley Villager April 2026 • Page 11
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