It seems that Minis and Smart cars are used for advertising more than any others. When walking past this Mini yesterday, it was the great pic of the Taj Mahal on the side that grabbed my attention!Taking part in Signs, Signs, for more signs click here.
When you enter yesterday's subway station you encounter this wonderful playful surreal enamel mural as you proceed to the stairs. Titled "Morning Glory", by Canadian artist Louis de Niverville, who is most well-known for his collage work, it draws on imagery from his childhood and his dreams. Perfect for that dreamy state of mind many of us are in during the morning commute! I took this shot just after last week's snow so its illuminating skylight is still covered.
The Kendal Ave entrance to the Spadina subway station is located in this 19th century house which has been restored and renovated to provide subway entrance on the main floor and community space for rent upstairs. When the station was built in 1978 the house was put on tracks and wheeled back from its foundation while the work was done to connect the entrance to the station and then the house was returned to its original site. Nice way of fitting into the neighbourhood!
I will end this tour of University College with this wonderful window located on the landing of a particularly dark and moody staircase at the west end of the building. It was a bright , sunny day outside when I was there so this window looked spectacular especially in its dark surroundings!
While wandering around in University College, I discovered this lovely little staircase that goes up into the turret at the east end of the building. After climbing to the top all I found was a locked door with a number on it! Beautiful stained glass and carved wood along the way though!
This pic shows the magnificent West Hall at UC which is used mostly as a lecture hall and for writing the dreaded exams. It is a fabulous space with much carving (there are 267 carved roundels along the top of the oak panelling showing faces, animals, monsters & geometric designs), stained glass, and just the scale of the place. I had never been in here before and I was awestruck!
When you enter University College you really do enter another century - its hallways paneled with beautifully carved wood, lovely multi-coloured tile floors, stained glass windows and particularly the main staircases are from a time of craftsmanship not to be seen today. All the staircases are impressive but the east one with this fabulous carved dragon (or griffin as some think) newel post is unbelievable! Tradition has it that touching him will bring good luck and great marks so he is well- polished.
