Need some ideas to spice up your bathroom? Does it look cold and empty like a public school bathroom? Nothing but the toilet sink, walls, mirror, and a few towels? Trust me. That’s not impressing anyone or anything.
Often overlooked in decorating, the bathroom is in truth one of the more visited [...]
Francis Mawson Rattenbury 1867-1935 If you ask anybody who visits the city of Victoria in British Columbia what they liked most during their visit they will answer: Afternoon Tea at the Empress Hotel, the Legislative Buildings, the Wax Museum and of course the infamous Butchart Gardens. Three of these Victoria’s signature icons: the Empress Hotel, the Legislative Buildings and the Wax Museum are remarkable pieces of architectural work by British architect Francis M. Rattenbury. Rattenbury’s first opportunity came when Premier Theodore Davie approved a competition to design a new set of Parliament Buildings in Victoria. Rattenbury’s designs for the new Parliament Buildings were first shortlisted and then selected from 67 designs submitted for the competition. Rattenbury used the name “A B.C. Architect” for his design, believing that the judges would favor a local architect. When he arrived in Victoria on March 14, 1893, to great fanfare, nobody questioned whether a 25-year-old architect was qualified for such a large project. The 1898 Romanesque British Columbia Legislature is a beautiful building that has stood overlooking the Inner Harbor for over 110 years, and is the defining structure of the landscape. The Legislature Building Rattenbury arrived in British Columbia with little experience but lots of charm and self-confidence. His commission to design the parliament buildings was a great coup, and Rattenbury went on to establish a flourishing practice designing such notable buildings as the Vancouver Court House (now the Vancouver Art Gallery) the Crystal Gardens in Victoria, and several banks and high end residences throughout the province. Vancouver Art Gallery Throughout his career Rattenbury worked on all types of buildings in Victoria, Rossland, Nelson, and New Westminster; courthouses in Nanaimo, Nelson, Vancouver and his most well-known work for the Canadian Pacific Railway the world-famous Empress Hotel, which was named in honour of the Empress of India, Queen Victoria. The Empress Hotel, an Edwardian Chateau-Style hotel was built in 1904–1908 and since then this wonderful piece of architecture has played hostess to kings, queens, movie stars and many famous people. Also known as the Jewel of the Pacific this 460-room hotel was recently restored to its original grandeur, with antique furniture and luxurious décor. The Empress Hotel Another great building is The Royal London Wax Museum located in the original Canadian Pacific Steamship ticket office, where ocean liners once arrived from destinations around the world. Its noteworthy the classical lines of architecture. Today the historical past is fitting, since the museum now displays more than 300 wax reproductions. The London Wax Museum Rattenbury’s career was dramatic and although Rattenbury was included in the local high society, his private life was very normal. Things changed however, when he met musician Alma Pakenham starting an open affair with no concern for public opinion or for his wife Florence’s feelings. Rattenbury divorced his wife at the age of 58, and married his mistress, Alma, who was 26 years his junior. His behavior during this period of his life was not well regarded by the citizens of Victoria, and Rattenbury soon found himself to be a social outcast and decided to move back to England. Alma Rattenbury In 1934 Alma initiated an affair with George Stoner who was hired as a chauffer for the couple. On March 23, 1935, Rattenbury was found badly beaten in his study. Francis Rattenbury died a few days later on March 28th. Both Alma and George Stoner were initially charged with his murder. The trial was a major news story in Britain, giving everything it could have wanted: sex, drugs, celebrity and, in the end, tragedy. When the verdict was announced, Alma was found not guilty but Stoner was sentenced to death. Feeling responsible for both the murder of Francis Rattenbury and the impending execution of George Stoner, Alma committed suicide. Francis Rattenbury was in British Columbia for only 38 years but during that time he was the most prominent architect and remains till this day one of British Columbia’s most famous. Today while I was having an affogato date with talented local designer Gillian Ley at the Rogers Soda Shop I decided to write this entry and to honor the work of Victoria’s legend Francis M. Rattenbury. The architectural work of Rattenbury is majestic without being excessively busy. As you can see in the images each building that he designed for the Victoria Inner harbor has a different architectural style, but they all work together harmoniously creating a sense of history; if you take in consideration that all these building were designed and built in a spam of 30 years. Victoria’s inner harbor is an example of fantastic urban planning by the architect himself. The architectural detailing in the Rattenbury’s interior spaces are as notable as the exteriors. The woodwork in the dining room at the Empress Room is a master lesson in symmetry and craftsmanship. The Bengal Lounge, other than have the best Lemon Drop Martinis in the city, clearly reflects the atmosphere of the British colonial times with the coolest motion fans I have ever seen. The Dome at the British Legislature is another clear reflection of Rattenbury’s innate talent. The Empress Room The Bengal Lounge Interior of BC Legislature [Photo by Moatway ] Researching and writing this article made me realize how important it is to honor and remember those who have made our city one of the the best places to live. Sometimes we forget how fortunate we are to have such great and elegant architecture in our city. I hope that the planners of Victoria realize how important it is to have real beauty around us and that there is a fine line between diversity and trash. Perhaps they will consider replacing some of the sculptures, or should I call them “visual pollution” that have been commissioned in recent years. They seem disrespectful and pale in comparison to the greatness of the city’s architectural heritage. _________________________________ “ I suppose you got the sketches for the proposed Hotel at Victoria. It is going to be a whopper if it goes on, and I think it will go on alright. It will make a decided attraction to Victoria, as we really have wanted a first-class hotel” Francis Rattenbury letter to his mother, 1903 . Sources: Wikipedia, Robert Fulford column, Mini Doc Youtube, GVLP, Canadian Museum of Civilization, The Canadian Enciclopedia
It’s time again to fix that faucet. You’re sick of the ‘drip, drip, drip’ from your bathroom sink that keeps you awake until all hours of the morning. It’s not the washer in the faucet itself that’s gone bad this time; it’s the whole apparatus. You go to Lowe’s or Home Depot and wind up [...]
Platform beds are a variation on an older concept, the loft bed. These were raised on poles, allowing the utilization of the floor space under the bed for everyday activities. As homes became larger and more comfortable, the loft bed was lowered and the platform bed took its place. As the platform bed originated in [...]
If you are purchasing rattan outdoor furniture for the first time you might have quite a bit of questions. For instance, you may wonder what rattan material is in the first place.This is a class of wood material that is harvested from palm trees set in distinct parts of Africa, Asia, and Australasia. Quite a [...]
Based on the period of development, the features incorporated and the technological advancement the computers have been classified into various generations. Technological advancement in computer hardware means the advances made in the technology of electronic devices used to implement the basic building blocks within the computer system.
Computers belonging to one particular level of technology are [...]
Container gardens can create a natural sanctuary in a busy city street, along rooftops or on balconies. You can easily accentuate the welcoming look of a deck or patio with colourful pots of annuals, or fill your window boxes with beautiful shrub roses or any number of small perennials. Whether you arrange your pots in [...]
One type of flooring is suspended floors which is raised off the real floor beneath. The floor covers the wall to wall distance of the room. Below the suspended flooring, nothing is holding up the floor. In the architecture industry, suspended floors is created for various uses. Suspended floors commonly is utilized for areas where people play a lot of sports. It is a extraordinary type of flooring. Because of new technology cutting-edge engineering created a very usable floor sy…
There is more to toddler bedding than just sheets and pillow covers. In order to make the most of the theme you have selected as well as keep your child comforter, you should select a full bedding set. This will include the top and bottom sheets, pillow cover, as well as the bedspread.
A very popular home decor accessory is the wall sconce. Sconces are basic, yet could add lots of refinement to any space of your choosing. They are truly one of my favorite types of home design accessories for the reason that I am a minimalist. Strategically placed wall sconces can altogether replace big floor lamps, free up a lot of room, while still providing sufficient lighting.
When you really would like to beautify your household, I highly recommend you put up exterior wall sconce lighting. Many home owners tend to only work on lighting the inside of their homes, but what is the first thing you, your guests, and passersby see? The Exterior. Take some time to illuminate this often overlooked area, and you could make it appear more airy, lively, and intimate. Let me get you started with some basic decor guidelines.
Home decoration normally stops when all the main areas are addressed. We paint our walls, install the flooring, and add in the furniture. Yet, a lot of home owners don't realize how much more beautiful their households can be if they add in the finishing touches of wall decoration. Specifically, utilizing wall sconces to combine light with design can really add to the personality of the room.
The techniques of carpet weaving are often a family treasured secret. The methods of making Persian area rugs are passed down from generation to generation throughout the history. The art of carpet weaving and art is believed to be introduced by the Persian king Cyrus in 500BC, which is one of the greatest rulers in Persian history.
Nobody can refuse coming home and not getting into their comfy bed or bath. Everyone already knows that the bed and bath areas of your home are the main areas in your house where you will spend a lot of time after a long day of work. Any person that has had a long busy [...]
Window treatments can play a major role in the atmosphere of a room. Differing styles of curtains can be used to create many different looks. Changing your curtains can be an easy and inexpensive way to update a room.
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