Background
Thomson, Shirley Lavinia was born on February 19, 1930 in Walkerville, Ontario, Canada. Daughter of Walter Cull.
Thomson, Shirley Lavinia was born on February 19, 1930 in Walkerville, Ontario, Canada. Daughter of Walter Cull.
Bachelor in Art History with honors, U. West Ontario, 1952; Master of Arts in Art History, U. Maryland., 1974; Doctor of Philosophy in Art History, McGill University, 1981; Doctoris honoris causa, McGill University, 1989; Doctor of Philosophy (honorary), Ottawa U., 1989; D (honorary), Mount Allison U., 1990; D (honorary), University West Ontario, 1990; Doctor of Philosophy (honorary), University Windsor, Ontario, 1996.
Editor conference, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Paris, 1956-1960;
assistant secretary-general, World University Svc. WUSC, Toronto, 1960-1963;
assistant secretary general, Canada Common for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Ottawa, 1964-1967;
secretary-general, Canada Common for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Montreal, 1985-1987;
research coordinator, writer, Memoirs of Sen. Thérèse Casgrain, 1968-1970;
special coordinator, Largillière Exhibition, Museum Fine Arts, Montreal, 1981;
director, McCord Museum, 1982-1985;
director, National Gallery Canada, Ottawa, since 1987.
Director, deputy commissioner United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Pavilion Man and His World, Montreal, 1978-1980.
Officer Order of Canada, 1994. Member Canada Society Decorative Arts (county), Canada Museum Association (director).