Fred Varley (1881–1969) was a founding member of Canada’s Group of Seven, celebrated for his expressive landscapes and haunting portraits. Born in England, he studied art in Sheffield and Antwerp before moving to Canada in 1912. As an official war artist during WWI, Varley captured the emotional toll of conflict. Unlike his peers, he focused heavily on human subjects, blending spiritual depth with vivid modernist style. He later taught in Vancouver and continued painting until his death. His legacy lives on through the Varley Art Gallery and his profound impact on Canadian art.