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Kings and queens have walked through this entrance. Countless dignitaries, heads of state.
Canadians are honoured here, at Rideau Hall in Canada’s capital.
As custodians of the official residences, the National Capital Commission has wanted to make this entrance more accessible.
And to create a memorable first impression.
It was a question of resources, until Roger Lindsay stepped forward with a generous donation.
Life to me in Canada has been very good and I felt I would like to give something really significant for the people of Canada
and here at Rideau Hall in the centre of what I believe Canada really is.
With his donation, the railing project began.
We challenged the design to be uncompromising,
to recognize the Canadian Jubilee; Queen Elizabeth’s remarkable 60 years on the throne,
to meet requirements for health and safety, and to be finely constructed with noble materials
I’m very proud to have managed this project and to have worked with such a dedicated and experienced team.
It’s been a special opportunity for me to participate in bringing such a lasting legacy to Rideau hall.
The result: an entirely Canadian product, designed by Montreal architect Georges Drolet.
We wanted to enhance the symbolic quality of the space in which the ballister is going to be installed,
and evoke nature without resorting to conventional actinography.
Here, the Blacksmith is removing bronze rods from the forge.
Smooth rods are being tooled to resemble tree bark.
Our fabricator, Cairn Cunnane.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to do a piece in such a high profile location.
It's a real challenge, because there's some precise architectural forms mixed with some free-flowing natural forms.
And it's nice to know this piece will be here for generations to come.
Cunnane assembles the handrails.
The spacing of the vertical elements draws on the refined Edwardian design tradition.
Providing contrast, narrow translucent glass panels evoke ice and rain.
There you have a little insight behind the new handrails at the front entrance to Rideau Hall.
The residence of our Governor General is open to the public.
We hope that on your next visit to Canada’s Capital you will come see our work for yourself!