Original blueprints of Hatley Castle and its grounds, now the campus of Royal Roads University in Colwood, are being loaned to the National Gallery of Canada.
They will be part of an exhibit titled Artists, Architects, Artisans, Canadian Art 1890-1918 that opens Oct. 25 and runs to Jan. 26, 2014, at the gallery in Ottawa.
The exhibit will be an exploration of how architecture, decoration and urban planning and landscaping came together around the start of the 20th century.
“Artisanship was a major concern of architects who sought to realize buildings that married a high level of craftsmanship with exemplary design,” said exhibit curator Charles Hill in a statement.
“This was effectively carried out in [architect] Samuel Maclure’s Hatley Castle. The National Gallery of Canada is delighted to have this opportunity to include drawings for the building and its landscaping in this important exhibition.”
Royal Roads University archivist Caroline Posynick said “loaning these documents means we’re able to share our holdings with a national audience.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to tell the story of our beautiful grounds and architecture. We are lucky to have this resource in our community.”
Hatley Castle was built in 1908 for Lt.-Gov. James Dunsmuir and his family. The formal Italian Garden was completed in 1913. Hatley Park is now a National Historic Site.
For more information on the castle, go to hatleypark.ca or royalroads.ca/about/history.
Planting plan for garden at Hatley Park.
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