Dickens of a Christmas (Unframed)

950 s/n / 95 AP

Image size: 13 1/2″ x 19 “

On first glance while looking at this scene, the town seems to be untouched by time. For over two decades the BIA has featured “Dickens of a Christmas” in the beautiful and historic retail section of Dundas, Ontario. With its decorated store fronts and the horse drawn wagons one can almost imagine time-traveling back into Charles Dickens’ book, ‘A Christmas Carol’ and expect to see Tiny Tim and his mother come out of one of the numerous shops, laden with parcels.

The success of this downtown shopping district is due largely to the merchants with their lovely stores, stocked with unique, quality merchandise. At Christmas their windows become even more appealing as they are transformed into something almost magical with twinkling lights, fresh greenery and enticing displays of the merchandise within.

Just up the street from the Carnegie Gallery is the Dundas Valley School of Art where I spent my scholastic years as an art student. Many of the shops have remained the same as they were then. It is a seasonal joy to go Christmas shopping with my dog, Chaucer, as we stroll up and down King Street, stopping at a bakery to buy some delectable treat.

For all the convenience of the Malls, it is the memories of Christmas shopping at local, independent retailers, such as those in Dundas, that will live on in our hearts over the years.

Wishing you, from Chaucer, Catya and I, A very, Merry Christmas.