This style was loosely based on the Renaissance villas of Italy, which were characterized by an L- or T-shaped plan, low pedimented roof, a tower and classical detail application. Indirect influences came from American pattern books on picturesque architectural styles published in the late 1800s by people like A.J. Downing and Samuel Sloan. The style was brought to Manitoba by early settlers from Ontario where it was popular. Read More
Introduced to Canada and the United States from France via England, this style takes its name from the French Second Empire, the reign of Napoleon III (1852-1870). It was commonly used for public buildings, especially those designed by the Federal Department of Public Works, but also for houses and educational institutions. The Roman Catholic church adopted this style for its Convents and schools, using the style well into the 20th century. Read More
The Gothic Revival was one of the most enduring and influential architectural movements of the 19th century. Based upon a revival of medieval architecture, especially that of England and France, it passed through successive phases and influenced most building types. Coming to Canada from Great Britain in the early 19th century, in its earliest phase it was largely a picturesque style characterized by applied delicate ornament. The English author and architect A. W. Pugin (1812-1852) was very influential in giving both a sense of moral purpose to the Gothic Revival and a better understanding of Gothic detailing and structural systems. The English writer John Ruskin (1819-1900) encouraged a widened range of sources for the style, such as Venetian Gothic architecture. The style as used towards the end of the century is frequently referred to as High Victorian Gothic. Its evolution into the 20th century is described in the section on Late Gothic Revival. Read More
The Georgian style was developed from the simplification of classical, Italian Renaissance and Baroque architecture. It was most popular in Great Britain during the reign of the first three King Georges (1714 to 1820) from which it derives its name. A vernacular interpretation of the style, in which detail was minimized, became a very popular architectural expression throughout Great Britain. In Manitoba, where the vernacular tradition was used, it was closely associated with the buildings of the Hudson's Bay Company and those built by Company employees who retired to the Red River Settlement. Read More
