A Closer Look

Causeway Artist Dean Lewis suggested to me some time ago that I take a closer look at the Legislative Assembly Buildings that form so prominent a part of the scenery of the core of Victoria. So today begins a series I'll add to from time to time that will look at some of the details of these splendid buildings. At the rear of the legislature is a structure that is often ignored by visitors to the city, the Legislative Library, pictured above. It is adorned by numerous statues of important historical figures set in niches and plaques of low relief. Below are two.

On the top right corner of the above photo you can see the statue of one of my favorite people from our early history, Dr. John Sebastian Helmcken. Long ago when I was a grad student I had occasion to spend one summer reading all the issues of the Victoria Colonist Newspaper up to about 1900. While there were many colorful characters, the one whose remarks always made me want to meet him in person was Dr. John. His kindness and tolerance often seem out of step with his contemporaries and I am sure he made this province a better place than it would otherwise have been.

In addition to figures important to our particular history, the library also bears a number of reliefs of important literary and philosophical figures. In today's top photo, below and to the left of Dr. John is the relief on the right. This somewhat sour looking personage is the poet Dante Alighieri.