"Kitchener City Hall 1927"

 33.75" x 29" oil on  hard board

            In the artists collection           

(Click) on image for close up   

open edition print available

    In 1924 Kitchener's old town hall was demolished and replaced by a beautiful neoclassical structure. William Schmaltz of Kitchener was the architect responsible for the design of the first Kitchener City Hall.

Kitchener's city hall became known as a kind of oasis in the downtown area. The large well kept lawn that spread out in front with its flowers and trees was indeed a relief in an otherwise brick and asphalt environment. At Christmastime the city hall was decorated with lights and garlands making it a winter time focal point. By the 1960's it became clear that the city had out grown the old building. It was overcrowded, it was cold in the winter and sweltering in the summer, and it had no elevator. In 1973 the building was demolished to make way for Market Square.

After completing the painting of the Waterloo Train Station, the story of Kitchener's original city hall was brought to my attention. Being an admirer of classical architecture and history in particular, my interest grew until at last I decided to paint it. I set out to create a work of art that would somehow capture the spirit of a time and a building fondly remembered by its' citizens. This was to be a memorial painting.

Research was required for the surrounding buildings, the cars, people, and their clothing. All had to be precise and match a period of time which I decided would be 1927.