The examination and analysis of the interior and exterior decorative elements of the library of parliament

The original Centre Block on Parliament Hill (designed in 1859) was destroyed by fire on the night of February 3, 1916. The Library of Parliament (completed in 1877) remained standing after this fire, and its original structure was intact until another fire occurred in the dome in 1952. This event necessitated significant alterations over the next 4 years, and these affected the heritage fabric, design, and character of the building. This paper describes a recent conservation examination and analysis of architectural features and coatings on the interior and exterior of the Library of Parliament. The purpose of the examination and analysis was to document and characterize the materials that were used in both the original construction and the later renovations. The study established a baseline reference for the materials used and their present condition, which will assist in the development of treatment protocols.