The Chateau Laurier is certainly a grand place, and the Christmas decorations inside add a festive touch.
This foyer area off the main lobby includes several portrait photographs, one of which is seen here. The portrait photographer Yousuf Karsh had his studios here in the Chateau for the latter half of his career, and several of his photographs are placed in this space.
The photograph above is this one, the one that made a reputation for Karsh internationally. Winston Churchill, the lion with that famous scowl, photographed during the darkest days of the Second World War when the British PM came to Ottawa to address Parliament. Karsh took his cigar away before taking his picture, hence the scowl, but the photograph is the signature one of Churchill, and one of the definitive photographs of the 20th century.
I focused on some of the tree decorations.
And I finish with this wider view of the entrance lobby. Tomorrow and the following day we'll look at a different holiday tradition.
Looking through the last few blogs I see they really pushed the boat out on the Christmas trees. They look wonderful
ReplyDeleteThat portrait of Churchill must surely be one of the world's most recognizable images.
ReplyDeleteOlaf again! Oh, help! Just saying, being an Auntie can be stressful when the kids can´t read yet!
ReplyDeleteBut I love the Lion (surprise, huh).
Yes, music sure is a therapist, I agree.
Nice to have, say, an extra viola hanging around from which to make holiday decorations. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt looks very festive. A nice remembrance of taking away the sigar of Churchill in the Parlement. :)
ReplyDelete...I enjoying seeing all of Yousuf Karsh's photographs!
ReplyDeleteVery festive, they look wonderful !
ReplyDeleteI don’t think we can over estimate the power of music.
ReplyDeleteContinuação de Boas Festas. 🎄
ReplyDeleteAndarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
Livros-Autografados
It's an amazing building. I stayed there once. We had an anniversary dinner there, too.
ReplyDelete@Bill: they do.
ReplyDelete@David: it is.
@Iris: very much so.
@Revrunner: indeed.
@Marianne: definitely.
@Tom: so do I.
@Karl: they do.
@Marie: true.
@Francisco: thanks.
More excellent trees. I have seen that portrait of Churchill from so many other places over the years.
ReplyDeleteNow you've got me singing! Happy Saturday!
ReplyDeleteJanis GDP
I like the first photo, what a beautiful building!
ReplyDeleteI hope they never put that addition on the hotel!
ReplyDeleteI was just reading about that Churchill portrait in a photo book that I received for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteIt all looks very festive - except Mr Churchill, of course!
ReplyDeleteA very inviting place with beautiful details.
ReplyDeleteThat beautiful hall in your first photo is my favorite today.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful place, the tree decorations have a lot of charm. The quotes are especially nice, and a good craft project to make.
ReplyDeleteI like those sayings about music...they ring true! That is a perfect photo of Churchill.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful long hallway. It would be fun to decorate that
ReplyDeleteMB
ReplyDelete@Jennifer: I've only passed through.
@DJan: it's an amazing photograph.
@Janis: thank you.
@Marleen: that it is.
@RedPat: I agree with you.
@Anvilcloud: it is quite a story.
@John: he looks characteristically grouchy.
@Alexandria: it certainly is.
@Jan: thank you!
@Maywyn: thanks.
@Sharon: definitely.
@MB: and a lot of hard work!
Hello, the trees are lovely. I like the decorations with the quotes. Have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteThere are some nice takes on the music theme.
ReplyDeleteKarsh was a masterful portraitist.
It all looks so nice.
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful !
ReplyDeleteLovely post and photos and favorites are the trees with the quotes ~ ^_^
ReplyDeleteHappy Moments to You,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Classic scenes, much appreciated William
ReplyDeleteThese photos are so very suitable for "strike the harp and join the chorus!" What a beautiful place.
ReplyDeletei agree with the therapist comment. so true. music is a great helper in all areas of your life. so so true! ( ;
ReplyDelete@Eileen: thank you!
ReplyDelete@Kay: he was indeed.
@Happyone: it is!
@Gattina: indeed.
@Carol: thank you.
@Cloudia: thanks!
@Jeanie: that it is.
@Beth: quite true.
Nice! A great post for the season.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Delete