Monday, January 27, 2020

Farewell To The Museum

This editorial cartoon, featuring two adversaries, stands out to me. Rene Levesque of the separatist provincial Parti Quebecois was the province's premier for a time. His adversary at the time of the 1980 referendum was the Canadian prime minister Pierre Trudeau.


The 1995 referendum is as close as we ever came to separation. The sovereigntists narrowly lost, and haven't made an attempt since, even when they've been in power in Quebec.


I started to take my leave from the gallery. The roof of St. Onuphrius is seen here.


A series of photographs of the country line the pathway leading out.


Emerging from the Canadian History Hall, I paused to photograph this sculpture. Bill Reid of the Haida created Chief Of The Undersea World in the 1980s. This is the plaster cast version of the sculpture; a bronze one stands outside the Vancouver Aquarium. It depicts a stylized killer whale, a sacred animal to the Haida. It stands on a level over the main entrance.


And here we have the Grand Hall itself, one last view for this visit. You can just make out Reid's Spirit Of The Haida Gwaii at the far end.


I finish today with two final views of the curatorial and exhibition wings. Douglas Cardinal's splendid curves in these buildings is his masterpiece of architecture.

30 comments:

  1. ...that building is indeed an architectural masterpiece.

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  2. Those large photos really tell a story so well--it is as if one is there!

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  3. The architecture of the building is gorgeous!

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  4. The country line and the Chief Of The Undersea World are my favorites - and the architecture.

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  5. To say that there has been no attempt at separation since the Trudeau/Lesvesque days is factually incorrect William. It was very close during Jean Chrétien's time as PM and Lucien Bouchard and Jacques Parizeau were the main forces of Québec independence. Do you not recall Parizeau's comment about having lost to money and the ethnic vote? That outcome was the closest of all to separation with the barest of margins separating the No side from the Yes side.

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  6. Wow what a finale William, what a brilliant idea to line the way out with these amazing photographs. Always enjoy seeing the Grand Hall and the curves of the architecture are lovely to see ✨

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  7. Hello, it is a beautiful museum. I love the large photos and the Killer Whale. Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy new week!

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  8. In- and outside of the museum are really wonderful.
    It's been a nice series to follow, William.

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  9. What a beautiful building. I especially love that last picture. :-)

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  10. You have given us a wonderful tour!

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  11. It's a beautiful building. My favourite are editorial cartoons!

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  12. Uma bela arquitetura desse prédio
    Gostei das belas fotografias
    Um abraço

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  13. That is a very impressive museum.

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  14. I really like your last photos that shows the curves of the building.

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  15. I also especially love the last pictures.

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  16. The photo of the lake and mountains is stunning.

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  17. Love the contours of that building.

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  18. I've enjoyed this tour and learned a lot, William!

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  19. @Tom: it really is.

    @Pat: they do.

    @Gattina: that it is.

    @Ella: very much so.

    @Francisco: thank you.

    @Iris: they stand out.

    @David: that's the referendum I pointed out to. Since 1995 there hasn't been a sustained effort by the sovereignty movement. It seems they know the opportunity has passed them by.

    @Grace: thank you!

    @Eileen: thanks!

    @Jan: thanks!

    @DJan: as do I.

    @RedPat: a pleasure to do so.

    @Jennifer: I always like editorial cartoons.

    @Gracita: thank you.

    @Sharon: it is indeed.

    @Red: thank you.

    @Karl: me too.

    @Maywyn: I agree.

    @Marie: I do too.

    @Jeanie: thank you!

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  20. Hate to see the end of a museum, but love to see what is next.

    Janis

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  21. I also like the curves of the building and looking forward to a new place!

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  22. These are awesome views of the museum!

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  23. It's been an interesting trip through the museum.

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  24. Very nice visit and views of the museum.
    All lovely photographs but I particularly like the roof of St. Onuphrius and how the light seems to shine on it.

    All the best Jan

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  25. This has been a wonderful tour. I find the light fixture in the main hall fascinating.

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  26. I like the look of those photo murals -- and, of course, the lines of the building. You caught them well.

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  27. Architecture looks pretty with evening lights.

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  28. @Janis: thank you!

    @Michelle: today's post is more somber.

    @Tanya: thanks!

    @Happyone: I enjoyed showing it.

    @Jan: thanks!

    @Joanne: so do I.

    @Kay: thank you!

    @Klara: it does.

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