Ruth West collection on Charles Heaney, 1969-2005

Charles Edward Heaney (1897-1981) was born in 1897 to John and Elizabeth Heaney of Oconto Falls, Wisconsin--he was the youngest of eight children. Heaney's father died when he was six years old. In 1913, at the age of 15, Heaney moved west to Portland, Oregon with his mother and his sister. On arriving in Portland, Heaney began operating box manufacturing machines for the F.C. Settler Company. Heaney began an apprenticeship with the Brandenburg Engraving Company as an engraver at the age of 18--developing skills that would later be evident in his etching. During this time he was encouraged by his employer, George O. Brandenburg, to attend courses at the Museum Art School (now the Pacific Northwest College of Art).

Throughout his prolific 60 year career Heaney drew inspiration from the variety of experiences surrounding him including both natural and man-made environments. Though initially gaining recognition as a printmaker, Heaney had established himself as one of the Northwest's premier painters by the 1950s. Heaney was diagnosed with cancer in 1980. He died in August, 1981.

Ruth and Rex West were friends of Charles Heaney and avid collectors of his work. Ruth West was a locally recognized textile artist and belonged to several weaving groups.