“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.)