1919 – Entrant in War Memorial Museum, Regina, Saskatchewan

Architect: David Webster

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“The general composition of the design, using the Ionic Order, is carried entirely around the building, thus presenting a pleasing appearance from whatever direction the building is approached. Space is provided for a statuary gr(^up in front of the main entrance which is approached by eight steps to a stone platform 4() x 14 ft., with an additional twelve steps leading up to the portico, the approach being flanked with suitable statuary. This entrance forms the main central feature, while at each corner is a projecting subsidiary feature. Around the building, above the windows, is a series of panels intended to be carved in low relief, portraying the historic actions in which Saskatchewan men took part.


From the portico the vestibule is entered through three doorways, each having two bronze memorial doors, the design of which embodies the badges of the different Saskatchewan units. The vestibule opens directly into the Mall of Honor, which has a gallery on three sides There are three circular stained glass memorial windows over the doorway, which are brought into the Hall of Honor over the gallery on the west side. Also a stained glass memorial window on the north and south walls above gallery, the galleries being lighted through skylights, the ceiling lights having stained glass.


The floor of the Hall of Honor will be laid in black and white marble, the pilasters and walls being finished in marble to the cornice line, and plastered above. This room has forty-five lineal feet of wall space available for bronze tablets between the pilasters.


Opening from the Hall of Honor and adjacent to the main entrance is a small room for the exhibition of photographs, cloak room, porter’s room and index room.


From the Hall of Honor, a seven-foot archway leads into the War Relics Museum, the floor being dropped two and a half feet lower than that of the former room, thus affording an excellent view of the exhibits on entering. The treatment of this room calls for three-quarter fluted Corinthian columns around the entire room, the ceiling being vaulted from the east to the west wall, the floor finished in marble blocks, and the walls and cornice in terra cotta, eggshell gloss. The windows are placed ten feet above the floor, which gives good wall space around the entire room for exhibits, the height of the ceiling being forty-five feet.


The rooms containing the natural history and scientific collections are easily approached, having access direct from the corridors, the Hall of Honor and the War Relics Museum.


The stairs are situated between the corridors and the Hall of Honor, and give access to the galleries, the War Relics Museum and the basement. The corridor walls will be finished with a 6 ft. terra cotta wainscott and plastered above, the floor being laid in English quarry tile with marble border. In the natural history and scientific rooms the floor will be of oak.


Retiring rooms and toilet accommodations for both sexes are in the basement. Space is also provided for spare collections, repair and work rooms and stores; the latter having three doorways opening direct to the driveway at the rear., which is brought down to the basement level.


The total cubical contents of the building is 876,037 cubic feet, and the estimated cost $404,635.”
Construction, September 1919

Published March 22, 2026

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