On May 16, 2003, Gillian Reddyhoff, the Curator of the Government of Ontario Art Collection was contacted by security staff at the Ontario Legislature at Queen's Park concerning the discovery of two framed panoramic photographs of Niagara Falls. They had been hidden from view for years, lying face down under a sub-floor on the fifth level attic of the building. Workmen had accidentally uncovered them while doing renovations.

The photographs were both taken from the Canadian side of the Niagara river and picture the area from slightly south of the Honeymoon Arch Bridge upriver to the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

Each photograph measures roughly .7 metres by 5.6 metres (28” X 18’ 8 ½”). One, dated November 1, 1912, shows the area under a cover of snow. The other, dated June 1913, was taken in the late spring. Both photographs bear an inscription that reads in part, "The Largest One-Piece-One-Exposure Photo Enlargement in the World."

Click to see a larger image (198K)
Security staff showing staff from the Archives of Ontario the panorama photos discovered at Queen's Park

Unfortunately, when they were discovered, both pictures were in poor condition. The Archives undertook a long term plan to stabilize and store the panoramas. This virtual exhibit follows the process.

Follow the links below to see the preservation process unfold.

Feedback

Please let us know what you thought of this exhibit. We also welcome any suggestions for ways it can be improved so please take a few moments to send us your comments by filling in the form below.