Hall of Honour
Separating the Centre Block into east and west sections, the Hall of
Honour serves as the principal ceremonial space and a dividing line between
the House of Commons and the Senate.
Photo: © 2001 Library of Parliament
Its beautiful vaulted ceilings and extensive bosses are a magnificent
example of High Gothic Revival. Superb craftsmanship can be found throughout
the Hall. The ironwork done by the incomparable Paul Beau is most noteworthy.
His energetic designs work perfectly beside the decorative Gothic stonework.
The Hall of Honour was intended to commemorate events and individuals
with distinctive plaques and sculptures. With only a small group of sculptures
at the North end, it has come to be a place of symbolic honour. It pays
tribute to the people and traditions of Parliament as well as all those
who pass through its noble limestone arches. Cutting through the heart
of the building, it links all the elements of Centre Block together.
Photo: © 2001 Library of Parliament
At the end nearest to the Library of Parliament, the Hall of Honour comes
closest to its original purpose. A diverse group of sculptures and plaques
pays tribute to events and people of Canada's past.
The largest is a memorial to nursing in Canada. Its themes of nurses
as early nation-builders and as participants in the First World War are
continued in other sculptures. The Canada Remembers carving pays tribute
to all Canadians involved in the Second World War and two other works
commemorate the efforts of nation building.
As well as part of the route of the House of Commons Speaker's Parade,
the Hall of Honour has been the location for several exceptional events.
Several Canadians, including former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau
and Canada's Unknown Soldier, have lain in state here. The solemnity of
its gothic character suits it perfectly to these purposes.
The particular gothic character of the Hall of Honour was achieved in
the reconstruction of Centre Block after the 1916 fire when there was
a shift from warm and many coloured textures to more muted tones and textures.
The Hall of Honour is also the main thoroughfare of Centre Block: a corridor
where librarians cross paths with bustling groups of visitors; where journalists
gather to catch up with Parliamentarians, where witnesses spill out of
parliamentary committees and where everyone has the chance to symbolically
see themselves reflected in the building.
|