"Excuse me, Mr. Thomson, but I think you need a rest. And I believe I know where you could get the kind of rest you need," said Einar Neilson upon introducing himself to author and educator Watson Thomson in 1945, according to Irene Howard's book Bowen Island 1872-1972. "It has everything you need," continued Einar. "I can give you the key and you can just walk in and make yourself at home. And stay as long as you like."
This place was Lieben, and Einar's frank invitation reflects what he hoped his simple cottage on Eagle Cliff would be a getaway for artists and intellectuals to relax, recharge, and find inspiration. Watson would take up Einar's invite, and he and his family became a part of Lieben's rather distinguished group of visitors. From authors such as Earle Birney and Malcolm Lowry to Lionel LeMoine Fitzgerald (a late member of the legendary Group of Seven), some of Canada's brightest minds flocked to Lieben from 1946 to 1965.
Lieben, however, provided more to its guests than simply a bed and a warm meal. The Eagle Cliff cottage would ultimately become an odd but very intimate community joined by the similar passions and values of its guests and hospitable hosts. Yes, gorgeous paintings and messy first drafts were made there, but Lieben also produced enduring friendships. Even when other locales became more enticing in the early 70s, many of Lieben's visitors still looked fondly at their time on Bowen.
Despite its notable guest-list, Lieben has largely remained a footnote in Canadian history. Even some islanders may be unaware that an artist colony ever existed on Bowen. And while the provincial government has yet to recognize Lieben as a historically significant heritage site, a number of island groups strive to at least preserve its memory.
One such group is the Bowen Island Museum & Archives, which is currently running their summer exhibit Lieben: An Artistic Oasis on Bowen. With furniture, artwork, correspondence, and other artifacts from Lieben, the Museum & Archives has re-imagined this important piece of Bowen history. All are invited to experience Lieben; learn more about the Neilsons, their guests, the current status of the property, and much more.
Lieben: An Artistic Oasis on Bowen will run throughout the summer. And don't forget to check out the Museum & Archives' historical slideshow on the Union Steamship Co. before Steamship Days end.
Jordan Rongavilla
