Skip to main content

Library of Parliament, Ottawa (Where Gumbo Was #206)

 

 

Gumbo was visiting the beautiful Library of Parliament in Canada's capital city of Ottawa.  Congratulations to GarryRF, George G and Roderick Simpson who solved this week's puzzle.

When you stand on the bank of the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, (especially by the Canadian Museum of History), and look across the river you see the Canadian Parliamentary buildings.  This is the view captured in the above image.  The rounded building with flying buttresses in this complex, which is the one in the foreground and closest to the river, is the Parliamentary Library.  Before we step inside, let's take a look at the history of the Library.

Parliament Hill 02

Parliament Hill 03
Parliament Hill 04


A Brief History of the Library of Parliament

Canada's Library of Parliament began in the late 18th century with the legislative libraries of Upper and Lower Canada.  These two libraries were amalgamated in 1841 when Upper and Lower Canada united.  It was not until Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the capital of Canada in 1857 that the Parliamentary Library was to have a permanent home.  Before that it had moved between Kingston, Montreal, Toronto and Quebec City. 

This Library building, the one Gumbo visited, is designed in Victorian Gothic Revival style and was opened in 1876.  The building is constructed of sandstone and has a circular shape and uses galleries and alcoves, as well as a high domed ceiling to make it seem “spacious and lofty”.  Wisely, the library was built separately from the Centre Block (where the House of Commons and Senate meet) and is joined to it by a corridor to protect it from the risk of fire.  This entry corridor was our very first puzzle clue.

IMG_5602
It turns out that this corridor was to help save the Library when fire destroyed most of the Centre block during the winter of 1916. The Library's iron doors proved an effective barrier against spread of the flames.  Unfortunately, in 1952 a fire broke out in the Library itself and caused significant smoke and water damage. 

IMG_5600

IMG_5612

IMG_5613

The Library's white pine paneling was dismantled, sent to Montreal for cleaning and fireproofing before it could be reinstalled.  The floor we see today is a replica and includes cherry, oak and walnut.

IMG_5597

The Library Today

The library was restored in the early 20th century and reopened in 2006.  It still serves a limited function, but most documents in the Library's collection are housed elsewhere as this Library building is much too small to contain them all.  Still, the library is a visual treat and I could use a room like this in my own home!

IMG_5587

IMG_5606

IMG_5614

IMG_5590

You get to visit the library when your tour the Parliament Buildings (free, but you need to reserve a time slot).  A highlight, besides all the detailed craftsmanship in its construction, is a white marble statue of the young Queen Victoria, sculpted by Marshall Wood in 1871

IMG_5592

IMG_5621

IMG_5599

Attachments

Images (18)
  • Parliament Hill, Ottawa
  • Parliament Hill, Ottawa
  • Parliamentary Library, Ottawa
  • Parliamentary Library, Ottawa
  • Parliamentary Library, Ottawa
  • Dome of Parliamentary Library, Ottawa
  • Parliamentary Library, Ottawa
  • Floor, Parliamentary Library, Ottawa
  • Queen Victoria statue, Parliamentary Library, Ottawa
  • Detail, Parliamentary Library, Ottawa
  • Entry hallway, Parliamentary Library, Ottawa
  • Parliamentary Library, Ottawa
  • Parliamentary Library, Ottawa
  • Parliamentary Library, Ottawa
  • Detail, Parliamentary Library, Ottawa
  • Detail, Parliamentary Library, Ottawa
  • Parliamentary Library, Ottawa
  • Parliamentary Library, Ottawa

Twitter: @DrFumblefinger

"We do not take a trip, a trip takes us".  John Steinbeck, from Travels with Charlie

Add Comment

Comments (1)

Newest · Oldest · Popular
Post
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×