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.

A sign of the times! In this photo, a fire hall tower stands like an exclamation point at the end of this row of stores ...
09/30/2026

A sign of the times! In this photo, a fire hall tower stands like an exclamation point at the end of this row of stores . Where and when do you think this was taken? Do these store signs bring back memories?

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Photographer 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.

Do you know where this shot was taken? We think it's at the bottom of Strachan Ave. A set of weathered railway tracks cu...
09/23/2026

Do you know where this shot was taken? We think it's at the bottom of Strachan Ave. A set of weathered railway tracks curves off into the distance, with the CN Tower peeking through the haze on the horizon. You can even see an old GO train on the right! Can you identify the buildings on the left?

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Photographer 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.

Silhouettes and skylines! When do you think this photo was taken? And from where? The Toronto skyline stands against the...
09/14/2026

Silhouettes and skylines! When do you think this photo was taken? And from where? The Toronto skyline stands against the sky as the CN Tower rises above a cluster of downtown buildings and power lines. Can you identify the skyscrapers that have already been built and the ones under construction? To think this wasn't all that long ago. How the city has changed!

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Photographer 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.

Let's go to the Ex! Did you ever go on this ride at the CNE? This 1970s photo shows kids seated in a big-eyed train rid...
09/02/2026

Let's go to the Ex! Did you ever go on this ride at the CNE? This 1970s photo shows kids seated in a big-eyed train ride, while a man is helping them get settled. These kids don't look very excited! What was your favourite ride as a child at The Ex?

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.

Working hard or hardly working? In this 1970s photo, a man with a toque perched on his head points a finger at another m...
08/27/2026

Working hard or hardly working? In this 1970s photo, a man with a toque perched on his head points a finger at another man (looking very guilty) in front of a GMC van.

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.

Decoration or Art? There is some debate about Hilma af Klint’s work, even as it gains public attention and appreciation....
08/26/2026

Decoration or Art? There is some debate about Hilma af Klint’s work, even as it gains public attention and appreciation.

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

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

Revue Cinema

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 Revue Cinema.

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

Revue 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 Revue Cinema.

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

Address

9 Neepawa Avenue
Toronto, ON
M6R1V1

Telephone

+16473131654

Website

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