Fonds AFC169 - Dewdney Art Therapy collection

Selwyn Dewdney graduated from the Ontario College of Art in 1936, came to London to teach at Sir Adam Beck Collegiate Institute until 1945 and then concentrated on doing work as a muralist into 1950s. Selwyn Dewdney was appointed psychiatric art therapist at Westminster Hospital (now Parkwood) in 1953, Irene Dewdney became involved soon after as well. Together they pioneered art therapy research in Canada developing their own "objective approach" to art therapy. This approach differed from the standard approach of analysis, which was to interpret the meaning behind a patient's artwork. Rather, the Dewdney's awaited the patient's emotional acknowledgment of what their artwork meant to them. Into the late 1950's, Selwyn began focusing on the art itself and the history behind it. Selwyn also began developing art therapies programs for Irene to take over and run. By 1959, there were art therapy programs established in London at Westminster Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital and the London Psychiatric Hospital. Selwyn eventually stepped back from art therapy work and began to devote more of his time to his studies of Canadian native rock art.
Their dedication and research were recognized by many art therapy organizations in North America. Selwyn and Irene Dewdney assisted in the creation of the Western Ontario Therapeutic Community Hostel (WOTCH) in 1966 and the Ontario Art Therapy Association (O.A.T.A.) in 1979. They also became active members of the Canadian Association of Art Therapy (C.A.T.A.) and the American Art Therapy Association (A.A.T.A). Both Irene and Selwyn were published authors in numerous art therapy journals. Notable publications include: The Role of Art Activities in Canadian Mental Hospitals, Art Therapy at Westminster Hospital, Elda's Art Therapy in the Context of a Quarter Century of Psychiatric Treatment, An Art Therapy Program for Geriatric Patients, The Art Oriented Interview as a Tool in Psychotherapy and The Art Therapist in the Courtroom.
Following Selwyn's death in 1979, Irene continued with the hospital programs and in private practice. Irene was instrumental in the creation, programming and implementation of the first academic program for art therapy in Canada. The Diploma in Art Therapy program began in the Fall of 1988 at the University of Western Ontario. The University established the "Irene Dewdney Award" in 1997, honouring an Art Therapy diploma student who demonstrated creativity and innovation in the field. Irene continued her practice, teaching, research and writing in London, Ontario until her death in 1999. The Art Therapy program ran until September 2007 under the leadership of Coordinator, Linda Nicholas.