I should begin this new blog with some philosophical treatise on the nature of Classical architecture. But I’m not going to. Instead, I am going to share a delicious architectural detail I discovered on a cold, windy day in downtown Toronto. This grouchy-looking bird tops an engaged column framing a window on the south side of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) building at 25 King St. W, Toronto.
Note the amazing details that have gone into this. The bird’s wings are spread back at a 90 degree angle to support the bricks above. The feathers have been carefully differentiated. His expressive eyes have been deeply carved and his head positioned so that he looks down on the viewer. I should note that this window is very tall so his perch does appear to be quite lofty. I find the basket-weave capital atop the spiral-fluted column evocative of a bird’s nest. He is matched with a similar column and bird on the left side of the window. The birds’ menacing looks threaten anyone who dares to mess with your money.
Banks are great places to look for details like this. Don’t forget to look up!
Alison Innes 