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Edward James Lennox: Builder of Toronto

Morris Carter

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Edward James Lennox: "Builder of Toronto"

by Marilyn M. Litvak

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	128 pages

Edward James Lennox (1854-1923) was one of the most influential architects in Toronto's history. He designed some of the city's most iconic buildings, including the Old City Hall, the Royal York Hotel, and the Bank of Montreal Building. Lennox's work helped to shape the look and feel of Toronto, and his buildings continue to be admired today.

Lennox was born in Ireland in 1854. He came to Canada in 1873 and settled in Toronto. He began his career as a draftsman in the office of the architect Henry Langley. In 1881, he established his own practice. Lennox's early work was mostly residential, but he soon began to design commercial and institutional buildings. In 1889, he won the competition to design the Old City Hall. This was a major commission, and it helped to establish Lennox as one of the leading architects in the city.

Lennox's work is characterized by its eclecticism. He drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. He was also influenced by the work of American architects such as Henry Hobson Richardson and Louis Sullivan. Lennox's buildings are often distinguished by their use of bold colors and textures. He also paid great attention to detail, and his buildings are often richly ornamented.

Lennox was a prolific architect. He designed over 200 buildings in Toronto, and his work can be found throughout the city. Some of his most notable buildings include:

Old City Hall (1889)
Royal York Hotel (1929)
Bank of Montreal Building (1897)
Toronto General Hospital (1893)
Ontario Legislative Building (1893)

Lennox was a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and served as its president from 1906 to 1907. He was also a fellow of the American Institute of Architects. Lennox died in Toronto in 1923. He is buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Legacy

Edward James Lennox is considered to be one of the most important architects in Canadian history. His buildings have helped to shape the look and feel of Toronto, and they continue to be admired today. Lennox's work is a testament to his creativity and skill as an architect.

In 1975, the City of Toronto designated Lennox's Old City Hall as a heritage property. In 1984, the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada awarded Lennox a posthumous Gold Medal. In 2004, Canada Post issued a stamp featuring Lennox's Bank of Montreal Building.

Edward James Lennox was a visionary architect who helped to make Toronto a beautiful and vibrant city. His work continues to inspire architects and designers today.