Molly Bobak

Molly Bobak
Molly Bobak painting on canvas, undated.
Born	Molly Lamb (1922-02-25)February 25, 1922 Vancouver, British Columbia
Died	March 2, 2014(2014-03-02) (aged 92) Fredericton, New Brunswick
Nationality	Canadian
Education	Jack Shadbolt, Vancouver School of Art
Known for	Painting, printmaking

Molly Bobak CM ONB (née Lamb; February 25, 1922 – March 2, 2014) was a Canadian teacher, writer, printmaker and painter working in oils and watercolours. During World War II, she was the first Canadian woman artist to be sent overseas to document Canada's war effort, and in particular, the work of the Canadian Women's Army Corps (C.W.A.C).

Born Molly Lamb on February 25, 1922, Bobak grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia. Bobak's mother, Mary Williams, initially worked as a housekeeper for Bobak's father, Harold Mortimer-Lamb, when his wife became ill. At some point, her parents decided to move in together along with Mortimer-Lamb's wife and their children. Bobak and her extended family seemed to live happily in this unconventional household.

Mortimer-Lamb was an art critic and collector who befriended the artists of the Group of Seven, who would visit the family on occasion.

Bobak's reputed poor eyesight and dislike for her teachers left her with poor school marks. Recognizing this, Bobak's mother encouraged her daughter to enroll at the Vancouver School of Art studying with artist Jack Shadbolt, whom she would remain close friends with all her life. Shadbolt enthusiastically encouraged her, and led her to discover European artists such as Cézanne and Matisse.

Bobak enlisted in the Canadian Women's Army Corps (C.W.A.C) in 1942 and stayed for four years. This was a vast opportunity as it allowed her to travel and gain new skills. She traveled across Canada and after Victory in Europe Day she went to London, England where she met her future husband, artist Bruno Bobak. As part of the C.W.A.C., she was appointed to document training, marching, working and any other contributions to the war.