Jamie Lees, an Amherstburg, Ontario resident and co-owner of Jank Words & Pictures, has curated a unique historical exhibition titled: Left at The Wellgate: The Untold Story of Mary Petrie Smith at the Central Dundee Library in Scotland. On now the exhibition delves into the enigmatic story of Jamie’s great grandmother, Mary Petrie Smith, who, on September 14, 1911, left her two young sons in their pram outside a pub in The Wellgate, before leaving for Canada (her journey spanned several Canadian cities, including Montreal, Perth, Kingston, and Collingwood, where she rebuilt her life). Through a meticulous collection of artifacts, documents, photographs, and personal stories, Jamie presents an emotionally charged and historically rich narrative.
Dedicated to her great grandmother, the exhibition Left at The Wellgate: The Untold Story of Mary Petrie Smith allows Mary to finally share her side of the story that remained secret; untold for 113 years. Jamie’s journey to uncover the truth behind this family mystery has profoundly affected her, leading her from deep sorrow to a sense of peace as she felt her great grandmother’s spirit guiding her throughout the process. The exhibition invites visitors to explore various possibilities of what really happened that dark day in 1911 and what drove Mary to make such a drastic decision, encouraging them to form their own opinions based on the artifacts, documents, and personal stories presented. Jamie Lees said: “Left at The Wellgate: The Untold Story of Mary Petrie Smith has been an emotional journey of discovery and connection for me. It is a privilege to share my great grandmother’s story with the people of Dundee and to highlight the resilience and strength of women like her.”
Understanding of the historical landscape
Collaborating with The Wellgate Project and leveraging her expertise in visual storytelling with her husband, Jamie brings a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience to the audience. Frank D’Angelo, co-owner at Jank Words & Pictures, praises her dedication to preserving and sharing this heritage thoughtfully with a broader audience, fostering a stronger cultural connection between Canada and Scotland. In addition to the exhibition, there will be a series of related talks by guest speakers and interactive events to further engage the community with the historical themes and the stories presented.
Dr. Erin Farley, Project Lead and Library & Information Officer, Central Library, Dundee, Scotland, where the exhibition will take place, notes, “We’ve collaborated with Jamie in Canada from Scotland to create an immersive experience that sheds light on the social and cultural context of early 20th century Dundee. This exhibition not only honours Mary Petrie Smith’s legacy but also enriches our understanding of the historical landscape in which she lived.”
The public are invited in celebrating this remarkable transatlantic connection and discover the compelling story of Left at The Wellgate: The Untold Story of Mary Petrie Smith, a story that peels back the layers of the life of a complex woman—abandoner, immigrant, bigamist, survivor, enigma. A paradoxical maternal path that shaped a family’s history.
Left at The Wellgate: The Untold Story of Mary Petrie Smith runs to October 14, 2024 at the Central Library, The Wellgate, Dundee. For more information, please contact Jamie Lees at [email protected] or visit The Wellgate Project’s website at www.leisureandculturedundee.com/event/33287.
Main photo: Mary’s passport photo, 1911.