Objects Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1977.31.1 |
Object Name |
Model, Architect's |
Title |
Model, Priory Building, Walter and David Cowan, 1927 |
Date |
1927 |
Year Range from |
1927 |
Year Range to |
1927 |
Description |
Model of the Priory building built by brothers Walter and David Cowan in 1927. The model was also known as "Walter's House". Gray rectangular main part of the building with two rectangular wings attached, all have sloping black roofs, building similar to log cabin in front portico with six columns has main door and five other doors around building all painted white, 24 glass windows with white wooden frames, at each end cement chimney made to look as if made out of individual boulder. Under the supervision of their father, architect William Cowan, David and Walter Cowan built two scale models of the Priory: a large one which was displayed in Riverside Park, and this smaller version. The model was developed from plans of the original Priory building. Born in Guelph in 1875, William Cowan worked as an architect and contractor until 1945. After WWII he was appointed building inspector for the City of Guelph and played a major role in preventing the demolition of Guelph's old City Hall. |
Notes |
Historic Context - The Priory The Priory was one of the first substantial log buildings erected in the new town of Guelph. Named after John Galt's assistant, Charles Prior, this multi-purpose building was used to house settlers until their homes were ready, to accommodate Galt and his crew, and as headquarters for the Canada Company. Over the next 100 years, the Priory served several purposes - the building became a tavern, a post office, a church, a railway station, a streetcar terminal, and a private home. The decision to tear down the deteriorated building was made in 1926. From City Gallery exhibition label |
People |
Cowan, David Cowan, Walter Cowan, William Alexander |
Search Terms |
Priory |
Subjects |
ARCHITECTURE - PRIORY |
Dimensions |
H-68.7 W-273.1 L-106 cm |
Collection |
Artifacts |