The mural and the cement company

The story begins in 1957. The British American Oil Company – a generous benefactor of Canadian designers, folk artists, and craftspeople – commissioned an enormous piece of art for the foyer of its Montreal building.

Designed by Thor Hansen – a textile artist of Danish origin – and painted by Umberto Bruni, the mural depicts the growth of Quebec in 65 square metres (700 square feet) and 42 colour motifs. From the Percé Rock to the Gaspé Cross, across the Montmorency Falls and the tops of all those steeples, this is a slice of history – immortalized.

When St. Lawrence Cement acquired the venue, the mural stayed on to greet passing employees with its vibrant panorama. For over 50 years, this extraordinary work has been a window onto our collective history and a snapshot of a cultural era with its complex fusion of art, craft, design, and architecture.

The future of the mural became uncertain when St. Lawrence Cement decided to give up the building. Who would want this 4-story creation? With the encouragement of its employees, the company offered the piece to the Museum of Civilization, along with a generous financial contribution to ensure its preservation. How could the CMC refuse?

The mural traveled to Gatineau from Mount Royal in eight pieces. Legris Conservation Inc., a company that specializes in the restoration of artwork, will restore any damage incurred during the move so the mural can fully enjoy active retirement.

Lucky for all of us, the colours and story of this mural will ignite the imaginations of generations to come as part of the Museum’s permanent collection.