Wadhams Sr., Lloyd
Kwakwaka’wakw artist Lloyd Wadhams Sr., was born 1938 in Bones Bay (territorial properties of the Namgiis). Yet he grew up in Alert Bay British Columbia where he was taught to carve by Chief Henry Speck, who was also an important influence during his youth. In Alert Bay he attended St. Michael’s School, but left school at the age of 13 to take up carving. However, for the next 11 years he worked as a fisherman and only carved in the off season.
His first major carving was an 8-foot totem pole that was carved for Lieutenant Governor Frank Ross in 1957. In 1965 he moved to Vancouver to work on tourist art but found it unprofitable.
In 1967 Lloyd carved four totem poles for the “Columbian” newspaper, which were presented to the citizens of New Westminster, Burnaby, Coquitlam and Surrey to honour Canada’s centenary. In 1970 he began to work in silver which became his medium of choice in later years. He exhibited at the Legacy exhibition at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, BC, in 1972 under the Indian Heritage Coins section.
Among his most famous commissions was a chalice that he carved for Pope John Paul II's 1984 visit to Ottawa, Ontario. He mentored his son, Lloyd Wadhams Jr., in wood and silver carving. Lloyd Sr. passed away in 1992.
