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Saturday, October 1, 2011

Old Victoria Custom House

Since it feels like a lazy Saturday to me I'll indulge myself with a photo of one of my favorite buildings processed in my currently most favorite mode. This the Old Victoria Custom House and here's what it says on the plaque in front of it.

Completed in 1875 in the Second Empire style, Victoria's original Custom House is a distinguished example of the buildings erected by the new Federal Government after Confederation. It regulated the trade of the West Coast's busiest port and symbolized the pre-eminence of Victoria as a commercial centre in the late 19th century. Goldseekers from around the world converged on its steps to obtain miners' licences before embarking for the Klondike in 1898. This elegant structure recalls efforts to establish a Federal presence across Canada through the construction of impressive public buildings.

4 comments:

Dean Lewis said...

I can certainly appreciate your liking this treatment Benjamin. The 'graphicness' gives the image a strengthened simplicity/definition with just enough fidelity to detail and colour to satisfy the need for 'reality'. A great marriage of imagery styles.

Benjamin Madison said...

You put your finger exactly on why I like this, Dean. It has some of the qualities of a watercolor.

Jack said...

It is a beautiful building and this effect is pretty cool.

JoJo said...

This building has always been an eye catcher for me and I make it a point to walk by and/or shoot it every time I'm in Victoria. It would make a pretty cool mansion to live in as well. What is housed in there now? I thought I saw a couple of law firm names outside, last year.