McGill Library
McLennan Library Building3459 rue McTavish
Montreal, Quebec
H3A 0C9
Decorations for McGill University for the Royal Visit of 1939
File
52 drawings : 2 ink on paper, 41 pencil on paper, 7 watercolour on paper, 2 blueprints
16 photographs
Textual records
File consists of drawings for decorations, as well as photographs and correspondence. Drawings include:
5 development drawings: elevations, McGill and Macdonald arms, decorations
5 working drawings: entrance, building decorations
42 detail drawings: textile decorations, ironwork (including masts and posts), fittings, plasterwork, heraldry, lettering, woodwork
“Having been invited by the Committee in charge of the arrangements for the Royal Visit [H.R.H. George VI and Queen Elizabeth] to design the decorations for that part of the route which passed through the McGill grounds and for the University buildings on adjoining streets, the writer very gladly consented – subject to being given a free hand , once the general scheme of distribution had been approved.”
“The decorations were concentrated upon the Royal Victoria College and the Arts Building, and the route through the grounds with emphasis at the Roddick Gates (the entrance) and at the Milton Street connection (the exit). “
“The prevailing colour scheme was, of course, red and white. The arms of the University and the arms of donors and benefactors served well for the less prominent buildings on the route. The Royal Heraldry was reserved for the Arts Building, and the Biological Building where the Arms of the Dominion, the Arms of England, the Arms of Scotland, and Royal ciphers found prominent places.” (P. E. Nobbs, “The McGill University Decorations for the Royal Visit.” McGill News 20 (Summer 1939) : 8-9.)