Renowned Canadian author Jane Urquhart has been named Western University’s Writer-in-Residence for 2019-20. She will help raise the profile of literary activity in the broader London, Ont. community.
The author of such novels as The Whirlpool, Away and The Underpainter, Urquhart has two degrees from U of G. Her first was a BA in English in 1971, followed by a BA in Art History in 1973. She was born in Geraldton, a small mining community in northern Ontario.
In a Western News story announcing her appointment, Urquhart said the study of Canadian literature was nascent in the early 70s and that it has come a long way since.
Western’s Writer-in-Residence program began in 1972. Urquhart joins Alice Munro, Margaret Lawrence and Joan Barfoot among the leading Canadian authors who have held the position.
The writer has won numerous literary awards, including the Governor General’s Award for The Underpainter.