Libraries through the lens Nova Scotia Legislative Library, Halifax, Canada


THOMAS Guignard’s latest image for Libraries through the lens, takes us to Canada’s oldest govern- ment building still in operation. Province House in Halifax, Nova Scotia, was opened as the region’s Legislative Assembly in 1819. Thomas says: “Although the details are vague, the neoclassical building was likely designed by a local master painter and glazier by the name of John Merrick, drawing inspiration from the Palladian designs of contemporary stately con-


April-May 2023


structions in Britain. Merrick’s designs were executed by Scottish-born architect Richard Scott.”


As well as housing the Legislative Assembly Hall and Council Chambers, Provinve House is also home to the Leg- islative Library, pictured above. Thomas says the library room was “originally the seat of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. In 1862, after the court moved to a dedicated building, the room was converted by Henry F. Busch to become the library. A mezzanine with


elegant Victorian wrought iron rail- ings and two slender curving stairs was added.


“This design has remained unchanged to this day, except for the odd computer screen and a set of metal cabinets camou- flaged behind a sheet of tinted plywood for a recent film shooting and which the library opted to keep in place. “Though it is still the functioning library for the Nova Scotia Legislature, the room is open to the public and is a delight to visit.”


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