WILLOWBANK HERITAGE ESTATE IN QUEENSTON
14487 Niagara Parkway, Queenston
Phone: 905.262.1239
Visit www.willowbank.ca
A National Historic Site of Canada
Named
after the magnificent willow trees that once graced its grounds, Willowbank
is an elegant example of the great rural estates of early 19th century
Upper Canada. This manor house is distinguished by its sophisticated
exterior design and imposing front portico. The property illustrates
the Romantic fusion of Classical Revival architecture, then at its height
in British North America, with a Picturesque landscape. Willowbank stands
as one of the finest country estates of its type in Canada.
Willowbank was built in Queenston in 1834 for Alexander Hamilton. Perched
atop a steep hill overlooking the village of Queenston, the house is
regarded as one of the finest remaining examples of Greek Revival architecture.
It is one of three such mansions designed by renowned architect, John
Latshaw. Built of Whirlpool Sandstone, the building is characterized
by the rare feature of eight columns running its full two-storey height,
and by a front doorway considered to be a masterpiece of Grecian design,
Willowbank represents a style of architecture that characterized the
country estates of Upper Canada in the Early 19th Century.
Classical
revival architecture became popular between 1800 and 1850, and was often
incorporated in domestic, public, financial and memorial buildings in
British North America. Designs were based on Greek and Roman antiquity
and its temple models. This style is shown by Willowbank's doubled-storey,
paired wooden Ionic columns on the front of the house, a grand staircase
leading to an elaborate verandah, and the hipped roof. Willowbank also
reflects the classic revival style within a Picturesque landscape. The
mansion sits prominently on an open lawn hillside, surrounded by willow,
walnut, locust and conifer trees. The former carriageway gradually winds
its way up a slope from the front gate, allowing glimpses of the home
until it comes to full view. It is as if the existing natural site of
the property was used to create the Picturesque landscape of Willowbank,
giving it an 'untouched' quality. Since the 1830's the exterior architecture
of Willowbank has remained essentially unchanged. With its combination
of classical revival design and Picturesque ideas of landscape, Willowbank
remains one of the few estate mansions built in this style in British
North America. Willowbank is recognized by the local community as one
of its finest and most cherished homes.
THE SCHOOL
The
School of Restoration Arts is dedicated to the teaching of all arts
and skills related to restoration of built heritage, and uses historic
buildings in need of restoration as the teaching venues. Willowbank
will be the first 'workshop' of the building-cum-schools and will serve
as the School's headquarters after restoration is complete.
The School intends to be the primary source in North America of knowledge
and expertise devoted to the art and science of property conservation
and restoration, and the respected provider of related programs of study.
In time, the School will also become a heritage contractor. Willowbank
is run by a group of Heritage Enthusiasts who have opened the School
of Restoration Arts to teach the special skills needed to restore and
preserve heritage buildings.
THE PROGRAM
The curriculum is focused on 'hands on' restoration, and conservation
skills which will be taught through the experience of doing and creating
actual restorations. This curriculum is rare in Canada.
The curriculum will be offered in several ways:
~ Master classes, which will be "hands on" sessions, led by
a Master craftsperson in
which attendees complete a restoration project.
~ Apprenticeship programs (which are part of the restoration of Willowbank)
~ Lectures and Seminars
TOURS and EVENT PLANNING
Willowbank is currently available to the community as a rental facility
for conferences, meetings and formal gatherings. Cultural and heritage
events allow Willowbank to showcase the broad spectrum of musical and
creative talents that abound in the Niagara Region.
Willowbank is open to the public for tours through the summer months.
We welcome all visitors and groups from September to May by appointment.
14487 Niagara Parkway, Queenston
Phone: 905.262.1239
Visit www.willowbank.ca
