The Government of Canada Recognizes a Great Canadian Sculptor & Artist as a Person of National Historic Significance

July 24, 2010

Brantford, Ontario – On behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Phil McColeman, Member of Parliament for Brant, celebrated the national historic significance of Walter Seymour Allward. The commemoration ceremony was held today at the Bell Memorial, which is one of Allward’s most moving early works.

“Using his artistic gift, Allward created some of Canada’s most inspiring monuments that serve to commemorate the achievement, dedication, and sacrifice of great Canadians, in particular during times of war” said Mr. McColeman. “His work has been inspiring pride in Canadians for nearly 93 years, and will continue to do so for generations of come.”

Best known for his masterpiece, the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France, Walter Seymour Allward was an outstanding sculptor of some of Canada’s finest monuments. As a result of his original sense of spatial composition, his mastery of the classical form, and his brilliant craftsmanship, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada has designated him as a person of national historic significance.

Many of Allward’s monuments themselves serve to commemorate the achievement, dedication, and sacrifice of great Canadians. His work includes the design for the Boer War Memorial Fountain in Windsor (1906), the South African War Memorial in Toronto (1910), The Baldwin-Lafontaine Monument on Parliament Hill in Ottawa (1914) and numerous municipal cenotaphs around the country.

“The Government of Canada is proud to honour one of Canada’s most renowned sculptors,” said Minister Prentice. “The commemoration of Walter Seymour Allward will offer Canadians new opportunities to appreciate and be inspired by his talent and works of enduring beauty.”

Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of national historic sites that commemorate the persons, places and events that have shaped Canada’s history and which offer visitors the opportunity for real and inspiring discovery. Parks Canada works to ensure that Canada’s historic and natural heritage is presented and protected for the enjoyment, education, appreciation and inspired discovery of all Canadians, today and in the future.

For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.