Robert Tait McKenzie was one of Canada’s best known artists of his time and is a recognized National Historic Figure. McKenzie’s incredible life as a sculptor, philosopher and physician is celebrated in the grist mill he restored.
Military Medicine: During World War One, as a military surgeon in the Royal Army Medical Corps, McKenzie introduced a rehabilitation plan that revolutionized the treatment of the wounded.
Physical Rehabilitation: He gained world acclaim for his pioneering work in preventive and rehabilitative medicine. Many of the exercises massage and hydrotherapy treatments he developed are still in use by physiotherapists today.
Olympic/Athletic Sculptor: He began to illustrate his anatomy lectures with sculptures. “The Joy of Effort” is one of his most widely recognized pieces. The 46″ bronze medallion is mounted at the Olympic Stadium in Stockholm, Sweden. McKenzie avidly supported the revival of Olympic competition, sitting on the International Olympic Committee. In 2000 Dr. McKenzie was inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame for his influences on the Games.
Memorial Sculptor: In addition to his pieces of athletic sculpture, McKenzie is world-renowned for his inspiring war memorials. McKenzie’s personal favorites were “The Young Scot” and “The Marching Scot” (1923-1927), two pieces which together make up “The Call”, located in the Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh, Scotland. Almonte’s own war memorial “The Volunteer” was sculpted by McKenzie.