Arms of The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto
Arms of The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto
Blazon
Azure a Viking longship affronty rayonnant Or;
Symbolism
The design is based on the Club’s longstanding emblem, designed by the artist J.E.H. MacDonald. The ship symbolizes creative and intellectual exploration, and the sun’s rays refer to the illuminating role of art and literature.
Crest of The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto
Blazon
An open book Argent bound Azure surmounting five paint brushes Or;
Symbolism
The brushes and the book summarize the idea of arts and letters. The position of the brushes gives an impression of sunrise, indicating intellectual inspiration. The five brushes indicate the five disciplines (literature, architecture, music, painting, and sculpture) represented at the Club.
Motto of The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto
Blazon
OTIUM CUM DIGNITATE;
Symbolism
Meaning “leisure with dignity”, this has long been used as the motto of the Club. It was devised by Cicero in his works De Oratore and Ad Familiares.
Supporters of The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto
Blazon
Dexter the figure of Athena, sinister the figure of Apollo, both standing on a rocky mount proper;
Symbolism
In Greek mythology, Athena was the goddess of wisdom and a skilled artisan, and Apollo was the god of art and music. The supporters also represent the foundational role of classical culture and the men and women who make up the Club. The compartment alludes to the rocky terrain of Algoma in tribute to the work done by the painters of the Group of Seven, for whom the Club was home in Toronto. This indicates that the creative work fostered by the Club takes place far and wide.
