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Artists who paints in oil en plein aire. Member of the three member Plein Aire Cottage Artists. Members: Mary Rose Holmes, Violetta Chandler and Helen Tilston

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Architecture in Toronto and our guests & Awards

St. Michael's Cathedral, Toronto
My art partner Mary Rose Holmes and her husband Dwight E Holmes visited Toronto for the first time this past week.  Dwight is an award winning architect, based in Florida. This month he received a gold medal from the American Institute of Architects  "Award of Honor for Design".  This award is based on good architecture over an extended period of time for leadership and inspiration to their colleagues and others.

 The Appleton Museum is one of my favourites
Appleton Museum, Florida - Dwight E Holmes
We planned showing them Toronto with an  emphasis on architecture.  Toronto's skyline bears the thumbprint of many well known architects.

Art Gallery of Ontario - Frank Gehry
Toronto Dominion Centre -Mies van der Rohe
Commerce Court - I.M. Pei
Pharmacy Building, University of Toronto - Lord Norman Foster
Bata Shoes Museum - Raymond Moriyama


St. Michael's Cathedral Toronto - William Thomas
St. Lawrence Market - William Thomas
St. Lawrence Market   (click left to view video)  - Our guest lining up for the world famous Peameal Bacon Sandwich


I am delighted and graciously accept the "Sunshine Award" bestowed upon me by the the beautiful and  delightful Heather Robinson from Lost in Arles , whose blog is always fascinating Lost in Arles


Have you visited Toronto>
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51 comments:

  1. Jane and Lance HattattJuly 29, 2012 at 6:29 AM

    Hello Helen:
    We are certain that your friends will have found the architectural tour of Toronto totally fascinating and absorbing. And, what a perfect tour to commemorate the prestigious award given to Dwight.

    The St Lawrence Market looks to be a place where we should be completely at home. The variety and quality of produce on offer is amazing and the stallholders look so very proud of their goods. It does seem as if people the world over are becoming more concerned about the provenance of their food and are prepared to pay a premium for food that really is of the highest standard. We can imagine that the Peameal Bacon Sandwich was a gourmet delight!

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 29, 2012 at 12:45 PM

      Hello Jane and Lance

      Thank you for the kind wishes to Dwight E Holmes. Like many architects, he is extremely humble and a little shy. He loves good modern architecture and what was fascinating when we stopped to view a building, we had no idea what he was looking at. His knowledge being so much greater than ours.
      They were absolutely enthralled by Toronto and specifically commented on the number of cranes and new buildings in progress.
      Your comments on the market are so true and we hope to someday treat you to a sandwich at the market. We are not fussy it can be a market in another country. A beautiful thought.

      Helen

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  2. valerietilsten59.blogspot.comJuly 29, 2012 at 6:30 AM

    Some fantastic buildings you have shown us Helen.
    How wonderful that you and Mary Rose can share time together.
    Congratulations to her Husband Dwight on his achievment.
    happy sunday
    val
    x

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 29, 2012 at 12:48 PM

      Hello Valerie

      You know we learned so much about Toronto ourselves when planning this trip for Dwight and Mary Rose. Dwight is a very accomplished architect and it was a joy to hear his comments.

      Hope your summer is going well

      Helenxx

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  3. rjerdeeJuly 29, 2012 at 8:08 AM

    thanks for the architecturl treats, helen...i've never visited toronto :)

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 29, 2012 at 12:49 PM

      Hi Becky

      I am happy to read you emjoyed this post. I hope you visit Toronto some day. There is so much to see and do.
      Helen xx

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  4. RazmatazJuly 29, 2012 at 8:49 AM

    I hope your friend was impressed with our architecture...I had no idea that the TD buildings had a link to Mies Van de Rohe.

    Has he seen the Marilyn (Absolute) building in Mississauga. That one really fascinates me.

    I used to lived in an old building on Roncesvalles and family members have lived in some of the gorgeous old Victorians in Toronto. I love the diversity and especially love some of the newer loft conversions.

    Enjoy your visit.

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 29, 2012 at 12:53 PM

      Hello Chania

      Dwight and Mary Rose fell in love with Toronto and loved the skyline and all the marvelous buildings both modern and historic. We took them through Rosedale, Forest Hill and Cabbagetown too. We had sent them a picture of "The Marilyn Monroe"building and when they flew into Toronto Airport, they had the perfect view. You are right, we did not get to show them the loft conversions. Next time.

      Hope you and your French Four Legged Pal are enjoying your day

      Helen xx

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  5. S. EtoleJuly 29, 2012 at 9:45 AM

    What impressive buildings and grand tour for your friends.

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 29, 2012 at 12:54 PM

      Hello Susan

      Thank you for your favourable comment. We had a perfect week with them and now miss them greatly as they are so much fun

      Helen xx

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  6. MiseJuly 29, 2012 at 11:54 AM

    Well done to Dwight! I'm particularly taken with the Pharmacy Building; it has such a looming benevolence.

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 29, 2012 at 12:56 PM

      Hello Mise

      Thank you for your good wishes to Dwight. Yes, the Pharmacy Building is quite beautiful. It also fits nicely in its environment.

      Helenxx

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  7. Down by the seaJuly 29, 2012 at 1:19 PM

    Hi Helen,
    Toronto looks an amazing city and I loved the food market. How close to Toronto do you live?
    Sarah x

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 29, 2012 at 3:38 PM

      Hello Sarah

      Toronto is full of surprises and one always discovers something new. We live right in the heart of the city, when here.

      Hope you have a wonderful week

      Helen xx

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  8. Pura VidaJuly 29, 2012 at 2:32 PM

    Helen, this seems like such a lovely trip with friends!

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 29, 2012 at 3:38 PM

      It was great having our friends visit and always a delight to show them the city, though our lens. We discovered some great new restaurants too.

      Helen xx

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  9. vicki archerJuly 29, 2012 at 3:03 PM

    Hi Helen, thank you for the tour...wonderful... xv

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 29, 2012 at 3:39 PM

      Hello Vicki

      I am happy you enjoyed the tour. It is quite different from Provence but good architecture is always good architecture.

      Have a great week

      Helen xx

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  10. Nella MillerJuly 29, 2012 at 3:46 PM

    Dear Helen, I so enjoy " coming to the city ", from Jordan ! It is a quick step to the QEW and we can be there in less than an hour, if the traffic cooperates. I am always amused....the city dwellers come to Niagara for the weekend and we head to Toronto ! I love the city and enjoy it's diversity and of course
    the architecture, but my favourite time is the TIFF, it takes on a special glow! N.xo

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 30, 2012 at 6:29 PM

      Hello Nella

      You enjoy the best of both worlds. Toronto is a fabulous city. The Toronto Interational Film Festival in September is always exciting.Many take their vacation then and it is not uncommon to see moviegoers with their ID neck badges take in upward of 6 films a day. It is a good time to spot movie stars and directors too.

      Have a great week

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  11. A Super DilettanteJuly 30, 2012 at 5:50 AM

    My dear Helen, This is a beautiful post. What an amazing selection of architecture in Toronto. I hope you all had a wonderful time together and it is a time for celebration!! I'm also intrigued by your description of the world famous bacon sandwich. What do they put in it, I wonder? Is it BLT (Bacon, Lettuce and Tomatoes)? :-) Have a good week, my dear. ASD xx

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 30, 2012 at 6:35 PM

      Dearest ASD

      There are some great buildings in Toronto and some wonderful older ones too. We had a lovely visit with our friends.
      The famous Peameal Bacon Sandwich is very simple. It is a white bun and enclosed is the preameal bacon - peameal is similar to a thickly cut rasher of bacon with a thin rind on which is sprinkled cornmeal. No lettuce or tomato is included, one can add a variety of mustards to it.

      Thank you for your good wishes and I hope you week is spectacular and that the sun is shining in your beautiful corner of the world.

      Helen xx

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  12. Heather RobinsonJuly 30, 2012 at 8:54 AM

    Oh thank you for the lovely compliments, Helen! My goodness. And a heart-felt congratulations to Dwight, what an accomplishment. How phenomenal to build something that is so lasting and contributes to the surrounding community.

    We are actually hoping to get a Gehry-designed building in Arles. We have our fingers crossed as it would be wonderful for our little town.

    I really loved this post, Helen (and no not because I am mentioned!)--I have always heard that Toronto is special and now I see why. Of course, I would be all too happy to go just to meet you--and to have that bacon sandwich!
    xo,
    Heather

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 30, 2012 at 6:39 PM

      Hello Heather

      Thank you for your good wishes to Dwight. It is quite an accomplishment to have created such a masterpiece.
      I hope you get a Gehry designed building. (It would like be some Yale architectural students who would work on the project)

      What a beautiful thought of your being in Toronto and that would be my delight to show you around. Of course Remi and Ben are also welcomed. Mike and Spice Girl would love it too.

      Wishing you continued adventures

      Helen xx

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  13. JenJuly 30, 2012 at 9:37 AM

    I have never visited Toronto, but you make it look most appealing! The Appleton Museum looks beautiful--I love the pool in front of it.

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 30, 2012 at 6:40 PM

      Hello Jen
      I hope some day you visit Toronto. Thank you for your kind words about the Appleton Museum, I shall convey them to Dwight Holmes

      Helen xx

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  14. GillianJuly 30, 2012 at 12:59 PM

    I visited 46 years ago, so was amazed to see your wonderful pics of the city as it is today.
    Congratulations on your award.
    Cheers Gillian

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    1. helen tilstonJuly 30, 2012 at 6:41 PM

      Hello Gillian

      I think you need to return. That is far too long to be away. I am sure you would notice some incredible changes.
      Thank you for your good wishes.

      Helen xx

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  15. I Dream OfJuly 31, 2012 at 8:39 AM

    What a lovely Toronto tour, Helen. I've never visited, but it looks like a fantastic city. I'm also glad to see that Heather sent a little well-deserved sunshine your way! XO

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    1. helen tilstonAugust 1, 2012 at 7:16 AM

      I hope you grace Toronto with your presence one day. It is a fastastic city and one where there is so much to do and see.
      Yes, I also love when Heather sprinkles he golden Provence sunshine on my blog.

      Helen xx

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  16. Jane the BookladyJuly 31, 2012 at 9:19 AM

    Hello Helen, I've just chosen your blog for an award. I hope that is o.k. with you. Please do pop over and have a look! Jane xx

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    1. helen tilstonAugust 1, 2012 at 7:17 AM

      Hello Jane

      I am speechless at such a prestigious award. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am amazed at your list of items we did not know about you. Bravo!.
      Again, sincerest thanks

      Helenxx

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  17. Jeanne HenriquesAugust 1, 2012 at 3:15 AM

    Hi Helen...now I am intrigued...I have never been to Toronto and I love looking at architecture. Congratulations to Dwight...an exceptional achievement. When I was in college, I faithfully read all of Ayn Rand's books. Fountainhead was one of my favourites...next to Atlas Shrugged. When I look at modern architecture my thoughts always go back to Howard Roark and Ayn Rand. Thank you for bringing back the memories... :)

    Many thanks as well Helen for your kind words during our transition into life in Vietnam. I always love hearing from you and appreciate every word. As I settle in, I hope to catch up a bit more.
    Best wishes...

    Jeanne xx

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    1. helen tilstonAugust 1, 2012 at 7:25 AM

      Hello Jeanne

      Thanks for stopping in, as I know you have a very busy schedule.

      I hope you visit Toronto in the future and I will give you my Ayn Rand tour. Those books are powerful. Thank you for the good wishes to Dwight.

      I love following your life as you settle into Vietnam.
      My best for a week of adventure

      Helen xx

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  18. Louise @ INGREDIENTSAugust 1, 2012 at 4:32 AM

    Hi Helen, I work downtown so I tend not to appreciate the architecture of the buildings - thank you for pointing out some notable buildings!

    I have given your blog as a "One Lovely Blog" award (it looks like you have already received a few). Thank you again for your wonderful posts - they are always informative and fascinating!!

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    1. helen tilstonAugust 1, 2012 at 7:29 AM

      Hello Louise

      How exciting you work downtown. There is so much to see and do and now I look at building we should have shown Dwight but there is always a next visit.

      Thank you Lousie for awarding me with "One Lovely Blog" I shall treasure that very very much

      Helen xx

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  19. Lisa GordonAugust 1, 2012 at 5:09 PM

    Helen, these are amazing!
    I especially love the pharmacy building.
    I have been to Toronto a couple of times.
    It is indeed a wonderful city.
    Wishing you a fantastic week ahead.
    xo.

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  20. Lisa GordonAugust 1, 2012 at 5:10 PM

    Got caught up in these beautiful buildings and neglected to say Congratulations on the Sunshine Award.
    Truly well-deserved, my friend.

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  21. Pigtown*DesignAugust 1, 2012 at 7:29 PM

    I need to come visit Toronto. It seems like a great city...and gorgeous.

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    1. helen tilstonAugust 2, 2012 at 12:38 PM

      Thanks for visiting and yes it would be wonderful to welcome you to Toronto. There is so much to do and see. We shall be expecting you.

      Helenxx

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  22. ~Lavender Dreamer~August 2, 2012 at 1:40 PM

    Wow! The Appleton is right here where I live! We drove past it a week ago. It's been awhile since we've gone but now I'll look at it differently. I won't have trouble remembering his name. I named my youngest son, Dwight! Hugs!

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  23. helen tilstonAugust 2, 2012 at 6:21 PM

    Hello Diane

    It is a small world. How interesting that your son is called Dwight also. I will be interested to see you post when you visit the Appleton. If you need images of Dwight Holmes I will gladly provide.

    Thanks for stopping by

    Helen xx

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  24. sandaAugust 3, 2012 at 7:28 PM

    Thank you for the tour of Toronto, Helen. I particularly love that St. Lawrence market building. I visited Toronto once, in 1976 or 1977 -- so long ago that I hardly remember what I did while there!

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    1. helen tilstonAugust 5, 2012 at 8:30 PM

      Hello Sanda

      I think it is time you returned to Toronto for a visit. That was a long time ago and you will notice many changes.
      Wishing you a great week
      Helenxx

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  25. designchicAugust 4, 2012 at 5:25 AM

    I have never been to Toronto, but always wanted to go - thanks for the tour!! What a wonderful achievement for your husband - nice to be awarded for work well done. Happy weekend ~

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    1. helen tilstonAugust 5, 2012 at 8:32 PM

      I hope you visit Toronto and I am happy you enjoyed reading about it.

      Dwight Holmes is a marvelous and well respected architect and he deserves a golf meal. Thanks for the good wishes.

      Helen xx

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  26. LynneAugust 7, 2012 at 8:57 PM

    Helen,
    I can always count on you for fabulous studies of architecture. How amazing to walk among the structures with such an icon.
    ~Lynne
    w/L.

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  27. helen tilstonAugust 7, 2012 at 9:05 PM

    Hello Lynne

    Thank you for your kindness and generosity. It was indeed very special to walk with Dwight and glean some of his thoughts on the various buildings

    Helen xx

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  28. UnknownAugust 11, 2012 at 2:13 PM

    Toronto is beautiful I'm going to Montreal next week.
    thank you my friend.

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  29. UnknownAugust 11, 2012 at 2:13 PM

    Toronto is beautiful I'm going to Montreal next week.
    thank you my friend.

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  30. Jenny WoolfAugust 15, 2012 at 8:07 AM

    Thank you for your comment on my blog, Helen, and I was thrilled to see Toronto. I have visited several times and like it very much as a city. It has a good mixture of old and new.

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