Caroline Helena Wilkinson Armington (1875-1939)
Artist
Born in Brampton, Ontario, Caroline Helena Wilkinson Armington spent most of her life living in other cities, predominantly Paris. While her work may have a delicate appearance, she was a bit of a rebel in life. Consequently, her parents refused to support her plans for an artistic career or going to Europe to study. Instead, she supported herself by training and working as a nurse.
While taking courses in Toronto, she met Franklin Armington and travelled with him and his parents to France, where they married. She insisted on signing her given name on artwork instead of C. H. Armington, as an agent had suggested, despite the era's reduced commercial potential for the works of female artists.
While not an instant success, Caroline's continued work allowed her to build a strong and successful career. PAMA holds over 400 prints which form the core of the works-on-paper collection and show the extent of her travels.