From the Collection

Leonard Krawchuk

Born in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Leonard Krawchuk is arguably the most prolific collector of Ukrainian artifacts and cultural research in Canada. His family history in Canada began when his great-grandfather emigrated from Tsyhany in the Borshchiv Region in 1902 and helped found the village of Pine River, Manitoba. Leonard began collecting out of a desire to connect with the past and articulate his own Ukrainian heritage. His love affair with the arts was sparked and supported by his mother, his aunt, and his grandmother. 

Leonard collects according to the geography of Ukraine, searching for attire characteristic of all ethnic regions. He also has an outstanding collection of Hutsul pottery – one of the best in Canada. In addition, he collects rushnyky (embroidered towels), kylymy (tapestry rugs), porcelain figurines, and paintings of Ukrainian rural life, along with postcards, jewellery, and coins. The Ukrainian Museum of Canada, Ontario Branch is honoured to have been chosen by Leonard Krawchuk as the home for his vast and varied collection.