Woodward’s department store – brush written logo, Irene Alexander, c1946

The Woodward’s department store wordmark was once as recognizable in Western Canada as the neon signs in Vancouver or the grain elevators on the prairies. Yet, as is often the case with iconic designs, few people knew it was the work of a young woman named Irene Porter.

In 1939, Irene began working as a lettering artist in Woodward’s advertising department at the Hastings Street store. Within just a few years, she had become their head showcard writer. While the exact date of her creation of the iconic wordmark remains unknown, it was likely designed toward the end of the Second World War.

In 1949, after marrying, Irene was required to resign from her position at Woodward’s. From her new home in North Vancouver, she continued to pursue her passion for lettering and went on to become one of Canada’s finest calligraphers. She was a founding member of the Westcoast Calligraphy Society, originally called the Italic Handwriting Society. For many years, she taught calligraphy and heraldry, and in 1980, she led a small group on a calligraphy tour of England.

Irene Alexander’s legacy lives on through her work, her influence, and through her daughter, Renee – also a talented calligrapher. – Rod McDonald