Elford Bradley (E.B.) Cox

July 16, 1914 - July 29, 2003

EB Cox is widely acknowledged as Canada’s foremost sculptor in stone. His career as an artist, which spanned more than half a century, has been beautifully documented in the book on his works, “EB Cox: A Life in Sculpture.”

In 2014, Cox’s family, friends and collectors are celebrating the 100th anniversary of his birth.

EB Cox was a self-taught artist. He left his promising career as a teacher to pursue a future in sculpting. He pioneered the use of power tools for carving stone, and explored the use of other media including wood, metal, glass and gemstones. In the early days, he befriended architects and relentlessly sought commissions: today, it’s hard to imagine a Toronto without a legacy of public art by EB Cox.

But there is more to celebrate about EB’s 100th than his art. He was a unique man, someone very hard to forget. As his family and wide circle of friends will attest, EB was loyal, generous, and witty - while also mischievous, stubborn and occasionally cantankerous. He loved a good party and carried out elaborate practical jokes, but he did not suffer fools. He equally enjoyed canoeing and the opera, went to bed early, and was never reluctant to use his considerable wit and charm to sell his works. He never accepted a government grant, yet happily mentored and helped other artists as they started their careers.

EB’s works of art on public display will endure for centuries, and the many hundreds of smaller sculptures held by private collectors will be passed down as family treasures. May memories of the man live on as well!