Metalwork
Detail of andiron, Speaker's Office, House
of Commons. |
The metalwork component consists mainly of the decorative wrought iron
and bronze work which was integrated into the architecture of the Centre
Block, and that contributes greatly to the unique neo-Gothic ambiance
that characterizes the building. The following selection of wrought iron
and bronze artefacts displays a consistently high standard in design and
craftsmanship, as well as in the quality of materials used, and their
texture and finish.
Most of the wrought iron elements were handcrafted in the ornamental
wrought iron shop established at the request of architect John A. Pearson
during reconstruction of the Centre Block. The ornamental wrought iron
shop supervised by the noted artistic metalworker Paul Beau was located
on the northeast corner of the parliamentary grounds. The workshop operated
from early 1920 until the summer of 1926, during which skilled craftsmen
— blacksmiths and metal workers — produced a large number
of items, ranging from ornate door hinges and grilles to fireplace implements.
Beau's work, much of it produced after designs prepared by G.S. Lemasnie,
is a fitting contribution to the building and a monument to an exceptional
Canadian artisan.
As works of this nature are rarely signed and often anonymous, a special
effort has been made to give full credit, wherever possible, to the designers
and craftsmen of these unique heritage items, whose names are too often
forgotten.
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