Monday, January 4, 2010

Bank of Nova Scotia, Toronto

Bank of Nova Scotia, Toronto

Despite a construction date of 1951, the Bank of Nova Scotia in King St West, Toronto offers a lot for fans of Art Deco architecture.

The answer, as explained in Tim Morawetz's book Art Deco Architecture in Toronto is that the initial design was done by John M Lyle between 1929-36 but died before the building was constructed.

Bank of Nova Scotia, Toronto

The building was redesigned and completed by Mathers and Haldenby with Beck and Eadie between 1946-51.

Bank of Nova Scotia, Toronto

My favourite part of the building are the reliefs depicting figures from classical mythology by artist Frederick Winkler.

Bank of Nova Scotia, Toronto

Bank of Nova Scotia, Toronto

2 comments:

  1. One of my favourite buildings in Toronto and one of two must see facades on Bay Street, the other being the Design Exchange across the street and one block south.

    The Bank of Nova Scotia art deco bas reliefs on the exterior are magnificent. I'm not in Toronto all that often, but when I am I try to get by and spend a little time drinking in the beauty.

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  2. Agreed on both counts. The frieze on the Design Exchange is outstanding and one on the Bank of Nova Scotia are classic Art Deco.

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