Biography
The Laidlaw sisters and their collections
Jean Ballantyne Shields (1908–1994)
She was a resort keeper and registered nurse who was influential in establishing the housing development at Indian Point.
Silhouette of Jean Shields, c. 1950 (mirrored). 14 x 18 cm. 2009.5.1b
In 1951, Jean married Charles Louis “Charlie” Shields (1895–1968), a WWI veteran and McGill University graduate who owned Indian Point, an area near Coboconk. They had no children.
When development of Indian Point was completed, Jean rented the properties that she and her husband owned to her friends and acquaintances.
Marjorie Middleton Woodrow (1910-2006)
Silhouette of Peggy Woodrow, c. 1950. 14 x 18 cm. 2009.5.1a
Also known as “Peggy” Woodrow, she was a skilled hostess and doctor’s assistant.
In 1944, Peggy married Dr. William Arthur “Art” Woodrow (1906-1975), a doctor and surgeon.
Peggy assisted in Art’s medical practice, and in their leisure they enjoyed entertaining. They had no children.
After Art’s death, Peggy supported local heritage organizations and events. In the mid-1990s, she received an award for her volunteer work at the Victoria County Historical Society, the organization that eventually became this museum.
Various pieces from Jean and Peggy's collections. Shown in further detail and identified below.
The Laidlaw sisters spent their lives in Victoria County.
Jean and Peggy were born at the Fort Ranch in Kirkfield to James William Laidlaw (1862–1951) and Mary Anne Campbell Laidlaw (1871–1951). Their family later moved to 20 Russell Street East in Lindsay.
Peggy remained at 20 Russell Street into adulthood, while Jean moved to Coboconk.
View of 20 Russell Street East in winter. 8 x 13 cm. 2009.3.1a
Jean and Peggy’s collecting reflects their individual tastes, but also the influence of their family. Familial wealth and influence shaped the Laidlaw sisters’ lives and enabled their collecting.
George Laidlaw (1828–1889), Jean and Peggy’s grandfather, was a Scottish immigrant, railway promoter, and rancher who made his fortune in Canada. He bought a 5000-acre ranch in Bexley, where Jean and Peggy were born. Through George, the sisters likely had access to generational wealth.
George Edward “Billy” Laidlaw (1860–1927), George Laidlaw’s son and Jean and Peggy’s uncle, was an archaeologist and collector.
While he died when the sisters were teenagers, his collecting likely influenced them. Jean and Peggy donated their entire collections to museums, like their uncle had years before.
The Laidlaw sisters married well: Jean to a business and property owner, and Peggy to a local doctor.
Detail of Charles Shields in military uniform, c. 1914-1918. Donor unknown. 1975.234.1.
Detail of Dr. W.A. Woodrow. From a group photo of Lindsay doctors, 1938. Donor unknown. 2021.96.1
Jean and Peggy led similar lives.
Both sisters married late, had no children, and outlived their husbands by a quarter century.
Both spent their lives in the Kawartha Lakes. They each bequeathed their collections to local museums, dividing them equally between the KLMA and another local museum.
We know more about the Laidlaw sisters’ collections than we do about the sisters themselves.
What we know about Jean and Peggy’s lives comes primarily from the objects they left us.
Guided by the pieces in their collections and what little biographical information we have, we can form some ideas about their lives and what brought them aesthetic pleasure.
Jean Shields (nee Laidlaw) collected patterned ceramics with floral motifs, East Asian-inspired designs, and cobalt blue or orange accents.
Peggy Woodrow (nee Laidlaw) collected red, yellow, and clear glassware in varied shapes and patterns.
Most of Jean’s ceramics are decorated with transfer printing. These pieces are painted by hand with intricate, tiny details.
Vase with hand-painted Chinese scene (1 of 2). Possibly Lowestoft, England, 1757-1802, or China, 1700s-1800s. 13 cm tall. 1994.1.93
Jean’s collection was larger and more eclectic than her sister’s. It included ceramics, Currier and Ives lithographs, and patterned glass goblets.
Detail of 1994.1.58
Pewter coffee pot. Shaw & Fisher, Sheffield, England, circa 19th century. 24 cm tall. 1992.23.30
Cream pitcher with hand-painted man with animals and rattan-covered metal handle. Possibly Lowestoft, England, 1770-1802, or Japan, 1700s-1800s. 10 cm tall. 1994.1.95
She also collected pewter teapots, coffee pots, and plates, as well as monochrome ceramics.
Pewter teapot with rose/floral pattern. Manufacturer unknown, possibly England, circa 19th century. 19 cm tall. 1992.23.29
Peggy’s collection was smaller and more focused than her sister’s.
Cauldron-shaped amber glass match holder. Burlington Glassworks, Hamilton, Ontario, 1880s. 2.5 cm tall. 1975.792.1
Her featured collection includes cranberry, ruby, and clear glass and a selection of eyeglasses.
She also collected amber glass, copper kettles, brass candlesticks, furniture, and medical items inherited from her husband.
Amber glass “Our Girl” mug. Maker unknown, USA, 1880s. 8 cm tall. 1975.824.1
Copper coffee urn with Greek-inspired design. Manufacturer/country unknown, c. 1850s. 30 cm tall. 2006.322.15
Brass “The King of Diamonds” candlestick. James Clews and Sons, Birmingham, England, 1897-1939. 32 cm tall. 2006.322.11f
Unlike the rest of the Laidlaw sisters’ decorative pieces, these items depict identifiable figures from mythology and history
In a way, they represent Jean and Peggy’s individual tastes: Jean seems to have had a penchant for all things Victorian, while Peggy’s taste appears to have been more austere, almost architectural, with occasional classical influences.
Marble bust of the goddess Diana. Italy, c. 1850. Donated by Peggy Laidlaw. 41 cm tall. 2000.12.1
Detail of petite point of a young Queen Victoria. Date, maker, and country unknown. Donated by Jean Shields. 52 x 70 cm. 1994.8.4
Cranberry glass shot with girl balancing on rocks and hand raised in air, circa 1970s-1980s. 7 cm tall. 2006.322.18
Amber glass lidded compote with ‘Daisy with Cross Bar’ pattern. Possibly from Burlington Glassworks, Hamilton, Ontario, circa 1880s. 26 cm tall. 1975.757.1
