Back Lane Studios

Back Lane Studios Located in the heart of Toronto's Roncesvalles, we offer a variety of courses, events and exhibits!

Named for its “back lane” studio entrance in Roncesvalles Village, Back Lane Studios was established in 2015 by Ellen Moorhouse to preserve and share neighbourhood stories through practical film and photo workshops for all ages.

Hilma af Klint decreed that her work be hidden away for 20 years after her death (in 1944). She believed the public wasn...
08/24/2026

Hilma af Klint decreed that her work be hidden away for 20 years after her death (in 1944). She believed the public wasn’t ready for it. The art world still took many decades to recognize her talent and showcase it in blockbuster exhibits. Why did it take so long?

Join us for a film and discussion about the Swedish abstract artist Sunday, Aug. 30, 12:30 pm at the R***e Cinema.

Tickets: by donation ($16 suggested) on Eventbrite (BLS-hilma-eventbrite.com) or at the R***e door.

R***e Cinema

Smile and wave! In this 1970s photo, a group of women stand on the steps of a grand building, many waving while some are...
08/17/2026

Smile and wave! In this 1970s photo, a group of women stand on the steps of a grand building, many waving while some aren't too happy. Where do you think this is?

Can you help us identify the who, when and where for these photos? Do you have stories to share about them? We would love to know. DM us or post a comment!

Don Summerhayes was a York University English professor, author, poet, critic and photographer. Back Lane Studios has received boxes of his photos, many from the 1970s.

Learn more about this Extraordinary Woman abstract painter Sunday, Aug. 30, 12:30pm, for a screening and discussion at t...
08/12/2026

Learn more about this Extraordinary Woman abstract painter Sunday, Aug. 30, 12:30pm, for a screening and discussion at the R***e Cinema.

Tickets: by voluntary donation. bls-hilma.eventbrite.com.

Who's the lucky winner? In this 1970s photo a woman stands in front of a large crowd (likely at the CNE), holding a ciga...
08/10/2026

Who's the lucky winner? In this 1970s photo a woman stands in front of a large crowd (likely at the CNE), holding a cigarette in one hand and a large stuffed koala in the other. Any idea how she won it?

Can you help us identify the who, when and where for these photos? Do you have stories to share about them? We would love to know. DM us or post a comment!

Don Summerhayes was a York University English professor, author, poet, critic and photographer. Back Lane Studios has received boxes of his photos, many from the 1970s.

No drinking on the job! In this 1970s street photo, a uniformed police officer standing in front of a chrome chair shop,...
07/29/2026

No drinking on the job! In this 1970s street photo, a uniformed police officer standing in front of a chrome chair shop, writing in a notepad (likely issuing a ticket) while beside him the kid casually drinks from a bottle, unfazed by the interaction. The words in the store window read "ALL TYPES CHROME CHAIRS RECOVERED".

Can you help us identify the who, when and where for these photos? Do you have stories to share about them? We would love to know. DM us or post a comment!

Don Summerhayes was a York University English professor, author, poet, critic and photographer. Back Lane Studios has received boxes of his photos, many from the 1970s.

Juno-nominated Roncy resident Alex Samaras performs Elvis Costello’s Juliet Letters, accompanied by a string quartet fea...
07/20/2026

Juno-nominated Roncy resident Alex Samaras performs Elvis Costello’s Juliet Letters, accompanied by a string quartet featuring Aline Homzy, Laurence Schauefele, Amy Hillis and Beth Silver.

Tuesday, July 21st. Doors open at 7pm.

At Back Lane Studios, 9 Neepawa Ave., a block south of Howard Park Ave., just east of Roncy.

PWYC ($20 suggested)

THE ODYSSEY: An early Toronto screening, Monday, July 13 at the Cineplex Cinemas Varsity, 55 Bloor St. W., 7:00 pmUniver...
07/09/2026

THE ODYSSEY: An early Toronto screening, Monday, July 13 at the Cineplex Cinemas Varsity, 55 Bloor St. W., 7:00 pm

Universal Pictures reached out to offer some passes to a preview of Christopher Nolan’s this coming Monday, July 13 at 7:00pm at the Varsity. This interpretation of Homer’s epic stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Zendaya and Charlize Theron. The film, shot with IMAX film cameras, opens July 17.

Here’s how you could win a pair of passes:
1. follow Back Lane Studios and Universal Pictures Canada
2. like this post
3. tag a friend you’d bring with you

Give it a shot! Winners will be notified Friday 10th at 11 pm! Good luck!

Can you help us identify the who, when and where for these photos? Do you have stories to share about them? We would lov...
07/09/2026

Can you help us identify the who, when and where for these photos? Do you have stories to share about them? We would love to know. DM us or post a comment!

Don Summerhayes was a York University English professor, author, poet, critic and photographer. Back Lane Studios has received boxes of his photos, many from the 1970s.

Interested in seniors’ stories about your neighbourhood? We recently showcased some short videos set in and around Yorkv...
07/03/2026

Interested in seniors’ stories about your neighbourhood? We recently showcased some short videos set in and around Yorkville at the Yorkville Library Branch. Thanks to librarian Zoe Johnstone and senior services specialist Vanessa Spark for making it happen. And thanks to everyone who attended.

Check out the Mapping our Memories website: mapping-our-memories.ca where we’ve posted stories we’ve collected so far. Maybe you’ll find some in your neighbourhood!

Address

9 Neepawa Avenue
Toronto, ON
M6R1V1

Telephone

+16473131654

Website

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