John Ostell
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John Ostell (7 August 1813 – 6 April 1892) architect[1], surveyor and manufacturer, was born in London England and emigrated to Canada in 1834, where he apprenticed himself to a Montreal surveyor André Trudeau to learn French methods of surveying. In 1837 he married Eleonore Gauvin a member of a prominent French Catholic family in the city. His marriage ensured entree to French society, he was appointed diocesan architect for Montreal. In 1849 he formed a partnership with his nephew Henri-Maurice Perrault (1828-1903), this was the formation of one the first architectural dynasties in Canada.
He mostly worked in the Greek Revival style of architecture. His work in Montreal included: Maison de la Douane (Custom House) 1836; the Arts Building McGill University 1839-1843 extended 1860-1862; Asile des Soeurs de la Providence 1842 (demolished);High School of Montreal 1845 (demolished); Protestant Orphan Asylum 1848 (demolished); Palais episcopal (Episcopal Palace) 1849 burnt 1852;Eglise de Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Graces 1851; Church of St Anne 1853 (demolished); Grand Seminaire de Montreal 1854; Palais de Justice (Court House) 1859-1856.
In 1859 he largely abandoned architecture having established a successful lumber business in 1852. The factory made doors and windows for export to Upper Canada (Ontario), Australia, the USA and Britain. By 1856 the factory covered 5 acres and employed 75 workers and had a turn over of goods worth £18,750 per annum.
[edit] References
- ^ John Ostell, architect, surveyor 1985 Ellen James
