National Library News March/April 1999 Vol. 31, no. 3-4

Savoir Faire
The Parliamentary Precinct’s National Heritage Treasures

As Denis Robitaille, coordinator of the current Savoir Faire series, noted in his introduction to the November seminar, most visitors to the Canadian Parliament Buildings see only familiar views while on tours of the Centre Block. Such was not the case for those National Library researchers and staff fortunate enough to attend Audrey Dubé’s seminar, "The Parliamentary Precinct’s National Heritage Treasures".

Courtesy, Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography.

Ms. Dubé, a member of the staff of the Office of the Curator, House of Commons, provided a specialist’s unique and detailed view of the architectural and artistic treasures of Parliament. The Office of the Curator, which has existed since 1989, has as its primary role the research and documentation of the architecture, decoration, furniture, works of art and artifacts of the buildings of the Parliamentary Precinct. It assists the architects and restorers involved in projects such as the restoration of the Centre Block.

Using slides to illustrate her lecture, Ms. Dubé described the many styles, materials and artistic techniques used in the construction and decoration of the buildings. When the Centre Block was rebuilt after the fire of 1916, the Modern Gothic Revival style was used by its chief architect, John Andrew Pearson. He also designed every feature of the House of Commons and ensured the unity of its detail. With its half-bleached linen canvas ceiling hangings, white oak panelling and Tyndall limestone, it is a fine example of the richness of design to be found in Parliament.

For her own meticulous research on specific artifacts, works of art or architectural details, Ms. Dubé has made extensive use of the National Library’s collections. She has used historical Canadian newspapers and periodicals to locate early photographs or illustrations of the Parliament Buildings, while city directories have provided the detail required to flesh out the career of a particular artisan, artist or company. Monographs from the general collection are the source of much historical background information.

Courtesy, Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography.

Ms. Dubé highlighted the work of many artists and artisans such as Eleanor Milne, who was a sculptor in the buildings and a designer of stained glass for over 30 years. The Office of the Curator holds her fonds, including designs, reports and watercolours. Some of her beautiful designs for stained glass were on display during Ms. Dubé’s seminar. The carving of sculptural elements in the Centre Block continues to this day. The detail in such friezes as the "History of Canada" or the "Evolution of Life" are testaments not only to the creativity of the designers and artists but also to the painstaking labour involved.

Certainly the members of the audience for this seminar should delight in their next visit to the Parliament Buildings as they will be able to view them with a greater appreciation and understanding of their history and beauty.