FROM THE COLLECTION aims to introduce readers to the inventories of local art galleries, museums and other cultural institutions, not via official exhibition notes but by way of the people that help manage and maintain the collections themselves.
“This maquette, one of the first models for lions that currently adorn the Lions Gate Bridge, reminded me of those early days, trips into the City, and memories of Vancouver’s past.”
In this edition of From the Collection, Museum of Vancouver’s CEO, Mauro Vescera, gets nostalgic about a model-sized version of an iconic Vancouver statue…
“I always had fond childhood memories of coming to Vancouver from Squamish and I remember the iconic Lions as you crossed the bridge leaving Vancouver. It wasn’t until many years later that I learned about the artist, Charles Marega, and his work that you find right across our City. This maquette, one of the first models for lions that currently adorn the Lions Gate Bridge, reminded me of those early days, trips into the City, and memories of Vancouver’s past.”
Take a look at more objects in the collection here.
The story of Charles (Carlos) Marega and his contributions to Vancouver’s art scene is fascinating and ultimately sad as he died virtually penniless. If I’m not mistaken, the North Vancouver Museum has life sized castings of the Lions that were on display in their previous location. And even more interesting is that a pair of the Lions are on the South East facing penthouse level parapet of the iconic Marine Building.