Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Red Chamber

Like the House of Commons, there is a space between the Senate itself and its main foyer area. In this space, the bust of a First Nations chief is found. So too is a bust of a woman.


As Canada's Parliament follows the traditions of Britain's Westminster system, the Senate colour scheme is red, a nod to the example of the British House of Lords. Senators are appointed by the government of the day as opposed to being elected. There are fewer Senators- 105 of them- compared to the 338 Members of Parliament. The speech from the throne, given at the start of a Parliamentary session, is done from here by the Governor General, sitting at the far end of the chamber where a bust of Queen Victoria can be glimpsed above the chairs. The rest of the time, the Speaker of The Senate presides over proceedings. While the tour group was in here, the present Speaker, George Furey, came in and wished everyone a happy new year. 


The details of the woodwork and architecture here are remarkable. The art adorning the walls is war art, depicting scenes from the First World War.

32 comments:

  1. There is nothing "common" about this House of Commons or House of Lords. A wonderful place to take care of business!

    ReplyDelete
  2. ...they sure built grand things years ago.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a nice touch for the Speaker to come in and greet you.

    Janis
    GDP

    ReplyDelete
  4. I agree with Lowell, nothing common here at all.. fabulous details William!

    ReplyDelete
  5. That light shining through was perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  6. @Lowell: it is quite a building.

    @Francisco: thank you!

    @Tom: they did indeed.

    @Janis: I thought it was nice.

    @Grace: I certainly agree.

    @Marie: it is.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hello, it is a beautiful government building. Wonderful photos. Enjoy your day and week ahead!

    ReplyDelete
  8. A beautiful and interesting place to visit. Not common at all!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wonderful views into this celebrated place.

    ReplyDelete
  10. So much to see and photograph. Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Opulent. No wonder it takes so long to build and repair ornate buildings.

    ReplyDelete
  12. @Eileen: it certainly is.

    @Nancy: definitely not!

    @Sharon: thank you.

    @Lois: there's a lot going on for the photographer.

    @Red: yes, the rehabilitation work is going to take awhile. I understand the public tours will continue, in at least the West Block, where the House of Commons is being relocated through that time period. I hope the same applies to the Senate's temporary digs.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Quite dignified! Are you watching "Victoria" on tele? I'm enjoying it immensely.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Looks very much like no expense was spared.

    ReplyDelete
  15. not a piece forgotten ... the ceiling again. nice!! ( ;

    ReplyDelete
  16. I feel very Canadian seeing all these photos. Thank you for sharing them!

    ReplyDelete
  17. @Cloudia: I haven't seen it, no.

    @Revrunner: it was well done.

    @Beth: it is an amazing ceiling.

    @Christine: I agree!

    @RedPat: it definitely does.

    @Jenn: you're welcome.

    @Klara: so do I.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Lots to see, very impressive. Nice photos, William, thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  19. It's a great building and it is beautiful decorated.

    ReplyDelete
  20. you would never run out of new things to see in here with each visit! every nook and cranny has some sort of beautiful detail!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I would imagine it isn't so placid and peaceful when Parliament is in session. But it's quite a beautiful place.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Well photographed interior and beautiful ~

    Happy Week to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Everything looks so grand.
    You've shared some lovely photographs.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'd look forward to taking care of business there.

    ReplyDelete
  25. @Bill: you're welcome.

    @Jan: that it is.

    @Mari: indeed.

    @Tanya: it was beautifully constructed.

    @Kay: apparently the Senate is less confrontational than the Commons can sometimes be.

    @Carol: thank you.

    @Jan: thanks!

    @Jack: indeed.

    @Jennifer: I agree.

    @Norma: so would I.

    ReplyDelete