PRINCES’ GATES
Title
PRINCES’ GATES
Description
These monumental gates were erected in 1927 to mark the 60th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. Designed in the Beaux-Arts style by the Toronto firm of Chapman and Oxley, the gates – including the sculptures – were constructed of “artificial stone” made from cement. The sculptures were modelled by Charles D. McKechnie.
Designed during a period of great national confidence, the gates use the style of ancient Greece and Rome to celebrate both Canada and the Canadian National Exhibition. Originally named “The Diamond Jubilee of Confederation Gates”, the structure was renamed the “Princes’ Gates” for Edward, Prince of Wales, and his brother Prince George, who were both present at its official opening on August 30, 1927.
On each side of the classical triumphal arch, nine Doric columns represent the nine provinces of Canada in 1927.
Above the central arch is “Winged Victory” holding aloft a hero’s crown (originally adorned with a lamp). In her left hand she holds a single maple leaf, symbol of Canadian independence. Guarded by sea horses in the waves, she stands in a “ship of state”, the Coat of Arms of Canada on its stern. Representing “progress and advance”, Winged Victory leads Canada into a promising future.
The beehive symbolizes productive labour, and perhaps represents here the mixed farming of rural Ontario.
The cornucopia is a symbol of agriculture and the fruits of the harvest.
Ontario’s Coat of Arts marks the pinnacle of the gates’ curved end walls. To the left, a woman with a sheaf of grain on her knees represents farming. At right, a man – his hand resting on a cogged wheel, drawings on his lap, and chains at his feet – represents construction and industry.
HERITAGE TORONTO 2006
Designed during a period of great national confidence, the gates use the style of ancient Greece and Rome to celebrate both Canada and the Canadian National Exhibition. Originally named “The Diamond Jubilee of Confederation Gates”, the structure was renamed the “Princes’ Gates” for Edward, Prince of Wales, and his brother Prince George, who were both present at its official opening on August 30, 1927.
On each side of the classical triumphal arch, nine Doric columns represent the nine provinces of Canada in 1927.
Above the central arch is “Winged Victory” holding aloft a hero’s crown (originally adorned with a lamp). In her left hand she holds a single maple leaf, symbol of Canadian independence. Guarded by sea horses in the waves, she stands in a “ship of state”, the Coat of Arms of Canada on its stern. Representing “progress and advance”, Winged Victory leads Canada into a promising future.
The beehive symbolizes productive labour, and perhaps represents here the mixed farming of rural Ontario.
The cornucopia is a symbol of agriculture and the fruits of the harvest.
Ontario’s Coat of Arts marks the pinnacle of the gates’ curved end walls. To the left, a woman with a sheaf of grain on her knees represents farming. At right, a man – his hand resting on a cogged wheel, drawings on his lap, and chains at his feet – represents construction and industry.
HERITAGE TORONTO 2006
Creator
Sarah J. McCabe
Date
August 26, 2018
Files
Collection
Citation
Sarah J. McCabe, “PRINCES’ GATES,” Historic Plaques of Ontario: An Omeka Demo Site, accessed May 16, 2024, https://ontarioplaques.omeka.net/items/show/223.