One of Ottawa’s most historic hotels, The Lord Elgin, has received a special piece of Canadian history from the NCC.
The National Capital Commission lent the hotel a portrait of its namesake – the 8th Earl of Elgin. The portrait depicts Canada’s 19th–century governor general, James Bruce. He was the governor general of British North America from 1847 to 1854.
Lord Elgin was born in London in 1811 and played a significant role in implementing responsible government in Canada. His planned visit to Bytown – what would later become Ottawa – in 1849, sparked the Stony Monday Riot, a clash between his Reformist supporters and Tory opponents.
Lord Elgin delayed his visit until 1853. Bytown was renamed Ottawa four years later and became the capital of Canada in 1857.
Ann Meelker, director of sales and marketing at the Lord Elgin, says that the loan stems from a long-standing relationship between the NCC and the hotel.
”They’re (the NCC) very good partners and neighbours. Anything that can make Ottawa a stronger city, we have to be a part of, too. We’re on the same plane as far as that goes.” she says. “It’s nice that we still have the relationship going with both the city and also with our heritage.”
Prior to its move to the hotel, the portrait originally hung in Rideau Hall for more than 25 years. The hall has been the official residence of every governor general since 1867. The portrait is believed to be more than 100 years old.
Joseph Zebrowski, director of NCC media relations, says the portrait “certainly has historical significance for Canadians”, especially since it was first acquired by Lord Grey, another former governor general who served from 1904 to 1911.
Zebrowski describes the lending of artifacts to the hotel as a “unique tradition.”
Lord Grey brought the painting back from Scotland around 1907, when it was first displayed in Rideau Hall. The portrait is a replica of the original artwork believed to have been painted by Sir Francis Grant and which is displayed in the City Chambers of Dunfermline, Scotland.
The artist of the replica is unknown.
Throughout its nearly 70-year relationship, the NCC has contributed numerous historical artifacts to the hotel, including busts of the Lord and Lady Elgin.
Lord Elgin’s great-grandson, the 11th Earl of Elgin has forged a strong relationship with the hotel.
“He still comes and stays with us, he still keeps in touch with us. He’s a wonderful man,” says Meelker.
Hotel staff even sent the elderly earl a photo of the new portrait, and though he was pleased with it, he responded with the comment that “‘I actually prefer him in his other suit,’” says Meelker.
Meelker says this special connection to the Lord Elgin’s family and its history is what sets the Lord Elgin apart from other hotels in the city.
“It tells that story,” she says, “that connection that we have. We think it’s important to tell a story about how we’re connected to Ottawa’s political background, its roots, and the community.”
The portrait is currently on display in the lobby of the Lord Elgin Hotel. A plaque has been commissioned by the NCC to accompany the portrait and give a rich description of its history and its subject.