History, Art and Architecture Parliamentary buildings Present Antechamber

Antechamber

The Commons antechamber is another example of old and new in harmony. The Chamber itself is a modern intervention into the original building, set into what was once an exterior courtyard. Now, the original stone walls line the new interior space and provide reminders of where the building is situated in the bigger landscape. We are clearly on Parliament Hill and part of it.

Wooden Tracery and Gargoyles

Wooden tracery within the antechamber echoes the interior of the Commons Chamber, though here the tracery is hung horizontally, creating a pleasing counterbalance to the verticalness of the high, narrow space. The arched windows of various sizes amplify that sense of upward thrust. From the high points, original gargoyles crouch and watch over all business below.

Photo gallery for Wooden Tracery and Gargoyles photo 3

Photo gallery for Wooden Tracery and Gargoyles photo 4

Artwork

At the foot of the stone walls around the Chamber are portraits of Canada’s former Prime Ministers, each suspended as if floating inside muted, black metal frames. Sculpture around the antechamber includes Bart Hanna’s limestone carving of sea goddess Sedna, which will be installed in the Parliament Building upon completion of its rehabilitation.