This small halftone image was found in Henderson’s studio. The original, which has not been located, was a 60 x 48 in. presentation drawing, most likely by Henderson for the Regina architectural firm of Clemeshaw and Portnall, the firm awarded the design contract for the new Winnipeg City Hall in 1913; however, this building was never built due to the war. Both architects were Henderson’s close friends and colleagues in Regina and this plan was likely connected to their projects in Winnipeg from 1912–13, which also included the competition for the new Legislative Buildings, in which their design placed second. This drawing would have been done in 1912 or 1913, and was most likely used as a reference for discussion in meetings to further the architects’ proposals. The image shows an incredible level of detail and in its use of a bird’s eye view and incorporation of multiple vanishing points, it embodies both the principles of Boosterism and the City Beautiful movement, which favoured axial planning with careful management of vistas and buildings in the style of the École des Beaux-Arts. These buildings or bridges were picturesque, situated at the dramatic termini of wide, tree-lined boulevards. Essentially, this drawing is an architectural fantasy that has as its focal point the Legislative Buildings, which were started in 1913 but not built until 1920. These buildings are approached by a grand boulevard and flanked by two major streets. Between these streets and the main approach are what appear to be large symmetrical oval halls, which are very much like the winning plan by Clemeshaw and Portnall for City Hall, minus the tower. Behind these buildings are two circular structures and a neo-gothic church and office buildings. The plan also depicts actual buildings, such as Union Station and the Fort Garry Hotel, clearly seen at the left. Behind them the great city spreads in all directions to the horizon, bound by the snaking Assiniboine River with plumes of smoke arising in the distance, symbols of commerce and industry that was the basis of the city’s wealth.
-Dan Ring
James Henderson
Winnipeg under the proposed scheme will become one of the most superb capitals of Canada, c. 1913
Newspaper clipping
15.5 x 17.7 cm
Courtesy of Diane Morris, Fort Qu’Appelle, SK.
