Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Flavelle House

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Flavelle House (Holwood), built 1902
Few people take the time to appreciate the large house that sits with gracious dignity set back from Queeen’s Park Crescent, as they drive downtown every day.

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The Living Room at Flavelle House

The University of Toroto Law school students who use Flavelle House every day have a better opportunity to take part in its beauty enjoying the interior and exterior aspects of its architecture and decoration.
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The Georgian Great Hall Fireplace
Flavelle House is one of the University of Toronto Law School buildings.  It was originally built in 1902 by Sir Joseph Flavelle (1858-1939), a Canadian businessman and philanthropist, on land leased for 99 years from the University.  The arrangement was that the premises were to be used by Sir Joseph, Lady Flavelle and their dependents, but given back to the University at the end of the 99-year term.

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Gustav Hahn Ceiling
Sir Joseph built the house, originally called Holwood, using the plans of the Toronto architects Pearson and Darling.  It is said he avoided anything pretentious and may have been unaware of the grand scale of the architectural drawings.  Holwood emerged as a splendid edifice in the Second Classical Revival style, somewhat grander than Sir Joseph had apparently anticipated.  The house was donated to the University in 1940, because none of Sir Joseph’s descendents chose to live there after his death.


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Gustav Hahn Ceiling

The interior of Flavelle House is designed with superb architectural features including mosaic floors and beautiful woodwork.  The elegant Georgian Great Hall features the historically important Art Nouveau ceiling painted by Gustav Hahn (1866-1962).  The ceiling is beautifully decorated with four floating angels.  It is fitting for our future lawyers at the University of Toronto Law School to have the pleasure of being surrounded by beauty as they take some inspiration from the angels while reading the law.

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Gustav Hahn Ceiling
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14 comments:

  1. Sea WitchFebruary 21, 2012 at 7:21 PM

    Lovely post AND a spectacular ceiling.

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  2. Norbridge AntiquesFebruary 21, 2012 at 7:40 PM

    Thank you Sea Witch. I'm glad you enjoyed the post. When I was there recently, I wanted to stay for the afternoon just to be near the beautiful ceiling.
    Kind regards,
    Juliane

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  3. stephanieFebruary 23, 2012 at 5:47 PM

    I'm glad to learn that Mr. Flavelle was a philanthropist. And its terrific that the university has use of the grand building. It is indeed a work of art. It deserves to be appreciated. I'm glad to learn of its existence and history, and will certainly visit it, when I'm fortunate enough to find myself in the area. Thanks for the post!

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  4. Norbridge AntiquesFebruary 23, 2012 at 8:45 PM

    Thank you for reading the post Stephanie, and thank you for your kind words. I'm glad the house is being well maintained and used.
    Kind regards,
    Juliane

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  5. AnonymousMarch 13, 2012 at 5:27 PM

    This is wonderful. Gorgeous rooms.

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  6. Norbridge AntiquesMarch 16, 2012 at 11:03 AM

    Thank you Rachel. I appreciate your visit to my blog post.
    Kind regards,
    Juliane

    ReplyDelete
  7. Garden CentreApril 18, 2012 at 2:03 AM

    WOW!! You pics collection is really very nice i like it.
    Thank you for post..

    Woodies Garden Centre

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  8. Norbridge AntiquesApril 19, 2012 at 8:36 AM

    Thank you Edwin. I'm glad you enjoy my photos.
    Kind regards,
    Juliane

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  9. Garden RoomsJune 12, 2012 at 3:16 AM

    Wow! Flavelle House is certainly a mesmerizing structure. It is great that you have featured this in your blog.

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  10. Norbridge AntiquesJune 16, 2012 at 10:36 AM

    Garden Rooms, thank you for your kind words. The exterior and interior architecture is classic.
    Kind regards,
    Juliane

    ReplyDelete
  11. mustard seedAugust 17, 2012 at 6:48 AM

    i learned much from this. Thank you

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    Replies
    1. Norbridge AntiquesAugust 17, 2012 at 7:48 AM

      Thank you, Mustard Seed. I'm very glad you did. I hope you'll take time to see Flavelle House when you visit Toronto.
      Kind regards,
      Juliane

      Delete
  12. UnknownJanuary 24, 2014 at 12:40 PM

    hello, Where can we get access to some of the blue prints of this house?, I mean the original house, thanks..

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    Replies
    1. Norbridge AntiquesMay 23, 2014 at 4:54 PM

      Thank you for you interest, Cesar. You might try getting in touch with the University of Toronto.
      Kind regards,
      Juliane

      Delete

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