Print

This lithograph by Robert Dinnis Wilson was originally published in Eric McLean’s 1964 book The Living Past of Montreal. The book aimed to document the built heritage of Old Montreal at the time of the demolitions surrounding the construction of the new courthouse (1965-1971), when the neighborhood was affected by the decline of port activities. The book was republished in 1976 and 1993, with new plates, some of which even included information on the restoration of heritage buildings. Wilson’s lithographs offer us a slice of history: the artist reproduces the atmosphere and appearance of a neighborhood in transformation. This particular print shows a view of what was then the intersection of Saint-Gabriel and Craig streets. The tallest building on the right was once the Beaubien house, built around 1820-1825, which became the Hôtel de France restaurant in the late 19th century. All the buildings to the right of the image, including the Beaubien house, were demolished shortly after this engraving was produced to make way for the new courthouse, which now stands at this intersection.