McCrae House - Design Phase: 90% Schematic Design. November 2014

Transcription

1 McCrae House - Design Phase: 90% Schematic Design November 2014

2 CONTENTS Main Floor Plan 3 Overall Floor Plan 4 [90] Arrival/Entry 5 [100] Welcome/Reception/Gift Shop 6 [110] Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae Persona 7 [120] The Early Years 8 [130] Writer/Poet/Artist 9 [140] Physician 10 [150] Explorer 11 [160] Soldier 12 [170] In Flanders Fields 13 [180] Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae Reflection 14 Colour Palette 15 Typography 16 Illustrative Treatment / Icons 17 Graphic Treatment 19 {2}

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5 [90] Arrival/Entry As visitors approach McCrae House they will understand that this will be more than a visit to a lovely stone cottage. The building s main entrance is clearly defined and helps build a sense of excitement and arrival to a newly revised kind of museum experience. The overarching approach to the exterior arrival design is one of bold demarcation. A sculptural form engages the visitor as they approach and pass through and under the structure. This modern and clear design overlay creates a sense of intrigue, wonder and excitement for the visitor. This is not a typical, regional Ontario museum experience. {5}

6 [100] Welcome/Reception/Gift Shop This space helps the visitor transition from the bustle of arrival and getting organized to the beginnings of an imaginative journey. Visitors can purchase tickets, orient themselves and receive answers to any preliminary questions they may have. This is also the place for the curatorial/expert/human contact many visitors want and need before they begin. The front desk or counter may be finished in a materiality that continues from the exterior arrival detailing or at least acknowledges it from a design point of view. The retail component should be easy with simple presentation and visual access. The gift shop is also located here not only for practical and operational reasons but also as an option for concluding the visit and purchasing a gift or memento as guests leave the facility. Welcome to McCrae House {6}

7 [110] Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae Persona Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae Persona engages visitors with a bold and dramatic presentation of McCrae in the way he is best known as a poet, doctor and soldier. Drawing from a well-documented international persona he is depicted in the common news-bite approach. This area is mostly visual with quotes/headlines/simple descriptors almost a living collage the poem may be present here though not in its entirety. The overarching approach tells the visitor that the experience has begun and it won t be typical. It touches on many of the facets of John McCrae the character but is not an experience overview or roadmap. Provocative and visually dynamic, the space can be taken in at a glance to underscore the complex man being depicted and celebrated or browsed at one s leisure. The images and words also provide a rich backdrop that can be used by interpretive staff to introduce overarching context and stories to casual visitors and groups. Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae is a well-known figure with international renown and multiple, notable accomplishments. Proposed Stories: John McCrae, the man was complex, thoughtful and humorous. Visitors will engage with life size images of McCrae supported by a series of quotes, excerpts, headlines and facts. These will not be complete stories but provocative quotes and excerpts that present a colouration to the black and white photographic references. Proposed Stories: M1968X McCrae with watermelon M His top hat M1968X McCrae, Bonfire & Bonneau {7}

8 [120] The Early Years Visitors are introduced to the early years of John McCrae, his humble beginning and family life. Set against the context of 19th Century Ontario, visitors can contemplate the role of family, church, school and community in shaping the character of a great man. Character begins in early development through family relationships, school, church life and community life. Proposed Stories: The overarching approach presents an intimate setting with personal artifacts and ephemera, family images and memories of life in19th Century Ontario. The area employs the architectural reality of the house to evoke the sense and wonder of childhood, growing up and young adulthood. The story telling is simple and connections can be quietly profound. The setting may also make use of window views to recreate an overlay view of 19th Century Guelph. Proposed Artifacts/Archives: Family Business M Exhibition Medal M1968X.33.1 Woolen Mill or M M Blanket McCrae House M Early View M Photograph album from Elizabeth Mowat who lived in the house in the 1940s. Shows some interior shots and outside shots St Andrews Church M c black and white cabinet card image of the church Proposed Props: Recreated family scrapbook for visitor engagement follows John McCrae s childhood milestones M1968X Scrapbook McCrae with Ladies in Toronto 1893 Image 83 & 107 Admission to high school: Image Boys Own Calendar M John Age 3 M John Age 1 M Baby Cup M McCrae age 16ish M John, Tom & Walter Gow (cousin) M John Age 18 Family Stuff M Family China (there are lots of different pieces of family china) M Stole Belonged to Janet McCrae M Footstool Belonged to David McCrae and used by John M Grandfather Clock There is also lots of kitchen type objects used at Janefield Family M John Eckford M Thomas and Jean McCrae M David & Janet M Janet, Tom, John & Geills M1968X & 2 David & Mareon McCrae {8}

9 [130] Writer/Poet/Artist In Writer/Poet/Artist visitors contemplate the many ways in which John McCrae expressed his understanding of the world around him. Personal correspondence, sketchbooks, early poems and more formal writings are presented to reveal that expression was a natural part of John McCrae s communication style. Visitors are engaged in a more visual way with a presentation that is looser, less traditional and perhaps uses a graphic/visual system or structure to anchor the exhibit. While artifacts and ephemera are still personal in nature they are presented in a way to provoke an understanding that their intent and legacy are farther reaching. Perhaps the pieces are presented in the context of a world map or a scenic visual layer. This area may also use the spaces above and below typical museum sightlines to engage visitors in a provocative way. M1968X Scrapbook Image 68, 84, 92, 96, 105, 114, 124, 130, 137, 148 All variety of poems, short stories published M Will have a few samples of McCrae s poems in his handwriting M1968X Literary and Scientific society admittance card Art M1968X Sketch Boer War M1968X Sketch Boer War M Boer War Sketchbook M1996X Sketchbook M1996X Sketchbook M1996X.21.1 &.2 Sketches M1968X Seascape and Seashore Sketches John McCrae was a creative observer and communicator with a clear expressive voice. Proposed Stories: McCrae s writing and sketching as a young man and university student will be explored with a focus on his observational mind. Comparing John McCrae s early sketches, writings and poetry to his later works, visitors will see the effects that travel, life experience and the harsh realities of war had on his works. Proposed Artifacts/Archives: M1994X.1.1 Writing Case that held sketchbook Writing: M1969X Canadian Hospital of 17th Century M1968X Canadian Horses in the African War M1968X Privileges of Medicine M Bichat M McGill University Magazine 1905 Unconquered Dead M2006X.16.6 Short Story Published M1968X Draft Harbour of Lost Ships M1968X Story {9}

10 [140] Physician This area explores the growth and evolution of John McCrae as a medical student, physician and military surgeon. The vast changes in the field of medicine relative to a visitor s understanding of contemporary health practices will be evident here. Connection, influence and overlap of multiple facets from John McCrae s experiences as more than a doctor, add to and build on the visitor s perception and understanding of the man. A more factual and traditional approach using photo reference and educational milestones will underpin the stories of career development, commitment and a heroic approach to care for other soldiers. A career arc approach engages visitors with photos-over-time of each stage of his career, layered with geographical and geo-political references to the changing conditions at each stage. Prop medical equipment will be available for interaction to challenge visitors to guess the use or simply understand the reality and challenges of WWI era medical practice, care and tools. M U of T Graduating Class M McGill Medical Class 1914 McCrae as Teacher M Invoice M Receipt M Pathological Reports MGH M1968X in Montreal M McGill No. 3 Hospital book Proposed Props: Recreation military medical instruments for visitor interaction and exploration John McCrae was a successful doctor, surgeon, teacher and field physician with a commitment and devotion to service. Proposed Stories: The influences on and achievements of Dr John McCrae s career will be explored, focusing on his roles as student, practitioner, instructor and field physician. Proposed Artifacts/Archives: M McCrae at McGill with Dr. W.G. Turner M1968X Scrapbook Image 64 Young Dr. Image 125 Faculty Medal Winners Image 131 Dr. at Mt. Airy M1968x Pathology Textbook M1968X Dr. name plate {10}

11 [150] Explorer Visitors are engaged via a discrete interactive kiosk where they can explore not only what John McCrae was doing at the time but also what the country and the world were concerned with in 1910.This area contemplates the role of John McCrae as an explorer when he accompanied Lord Albert Grey then Governor General of Canada on a canoe trip to Hudson Bay in 1910 to serve as expedition physician which may be a surprise or forgotten piece of interesting fact to visitors was also a time of great change in Canada with increased immigration, exploration of the far reaches of our country and challenges of national unity many of which are still relevant current events touch points today. The overarching approach for this area is a kind of interruption to the bigger experience. It also helps to establish a current events local, regional, national and international issues - line of thinking. The visual and archival focus may be on calling attention to the bigger issues of the time and highlighting the role that a person of character like John McCrae had to play in it. Passenger List 1886 Empress of Ireland, 1906 M1968X Prof. Patin s Botany Class There is a collection of photographs from the Hudson Bay Company Archives that documents the Earl Grey Trip Proposed Media: An interactive kiosk based database with interpretive overlay/intro screens to help guide and encourage exploration. John McCrae had an adventurous spirit based on an imaginative mind and thirst for knowledge. Proposed Key Stories: A series of articles and direct from news images are presented in a searchable data base to include: Death of Edward the VII and succession by George the V, Lord Grey s involvement with creation of Canadian naval army, stats on immigration and settlement in Canada, Canadian political landscape profile, Lord Grey s extensive travel across Canada and to Newfoundland, John McCrae s connection to Lord Grey (why he was asked to attend the exploration trip) and other world and national based stories/features. Proposed Artifacts/Archives: M Letter to mother 1910 (earl grey trip) M1997X.2.1 Passenger List 1902 M Diary of Early Grey Trip M1968X Earl Grey Ship M1983X.3.1 McCrae with staff from McGill M McCrae in Paris M1983X.4.1 Wawashkeshi Club House M1968X Scrapbook pages with travels, tickets Image 50 Mount Airy Images 98 & 99 Travels {11}

12 [160] Soldier Visitors encounter the development and accomplishments of Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae s military career. The facts and references present a full story from boyhood to death exploring not only the valiant efforts but also the determination and commitment of a decorated soldier. The overarching approach of this area may be more staid and reverential. Artifacts and ephemera are presented simply, underpinned by John McCrae s personal notebooks and correspondence. Thematic messages are about commitment, belief, honour and duty. The medals are displayed in this area in a place of honour with a focused presence. Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae was a dedicated and decorated soldier with incredible accomplishments in two wars. Proposed Key Stories: Realities of war are presented using quotes and excerpts from McCrae s correspondence. First World War M1997X.1.1 Business Card M Duck Board M Syringe Set typically used by CAMC M1968X st Brigade Artillery M First Brigade in England M Queen Mary Visiting No. 3 M CAMC scroll M1996X Greeting Card Uniform of a CAMC military officer typical of what McCrae would have worn M1968X Image 67 Highland Cadet M1968X Father David McCrae Death Photographs: M , Profiles of how the people back home were engaged and affected by war. Proposed Artifacts/Archives: Boer War M1968X Menu Card, 1901 M M1968X Military Orders M Scrapbook with lots of images from Boer War includes John on his horse Jack M Bible M Returning Soldier Ribbon M Mess Kit used by John M1968X Swagger stick Kingston Military College M1968X M1968X Image 117 Admission Form M M1968X Certificate of Promotion {12}

13 [170] In Flanders Fields The poem is the main attraction in this section. Visitors contemplate the meaning and personal connection of the internationally renowned poem. The overarching approach in this area is the poem writ large in dramatic fashion. The area may present the poem in large scale scribed on backlit glass or printed onto fabric, situated with enough space for visitors to take it in. Facsimiles of other versions may also be present the handwritten original, published versions etc. The area will have an audio component of boys and girls, men and women, young and old reading the poem in the many languages into which it has been transcribed. The voices play on an audio loop and no matter in which language it is heard, the emotional power of the words can be felt. The global impact of the poem in all forms of culture from history to pop-culture may be explored, bringing the 100-yearold work into a contemporary context. In Flanders Fields is a lasting memorial to World War I. Proposed Key Stories: The many forms and versions of publication will be presented visually on an adjacent wall. Proposed Artifacts/Archives: M a beautiful illustrated book of the poem by Ernest Clegg M stamps M & Buy Victory Bonds M1968X Poppy Day M1968X Scrapbook with all sorts of poems and answer poems M1968X Wimereux Cemetery Bench {13}

14 [180] Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae Reflection The incredible legacy and influence of In Flanders Fields, Remembrance Day and the iconic Poppy Pin are explored in this area. Visitors can leave a message, reach out to friends and loved ones or simply reflect on their experience in this space. A space of contemporary media, contemplation and engagement is the overarching approach in this area. There may be monitors playing newsreel type footage and Remembrance Day video moments ranging from long ago to present day. A scrolling message board displays visitor comments and experience notes. A discrete kiosk allows visitors to choose an e-post card and share a note via social media or send a note to loved ones and friends wherever they may be. This area may also be a gathering place for small groups. Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae s life and legacy have had lasting historical significance and an authentic resonance that is as powerful today as it was 100 years ago. Proposed Key Stories: John McCrae s influence on Remembrance Day is felt and observed globally, depicted with news reel type video and posts. Proposed Artifacts/Archives: M M Proposed Media: a web access kiosk for e-post cards and outreach possible intake and presentation of visitor experiences, comments and reflections. {14}

15 COLOUR PALETTE Pantone 7765 Pantone 7754 Pantone 7499 Pantone 7408 Pantone 485 Pantone 7621 Pantone 566 Pantone 534 Pantone 5255 {15}

16 TYPOGRAPHY BODY TEXT FONT HEADER TEXT FONT BODY TEXT & DROP CAP (WORD) News Gothic Regular News Gothic Italic News Gothic Bold Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed eleifend venenatis ornare. Nunc eget nulla ac dolor facilisis ullamcorper. Donec a enim eget elit tristique convallis. Nam pulvinar, ex ut dignissim gravida, ligula mi volutpat lacus, eleifend accumsan arcu tortor quis velit. In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Pellentesque cursus dapibus luctus. Donec euismod, sapien sollicitudin venenatis varius, elit felis consequat lacus, vel tristique nisi risus vel elit. Duis facilisis risus quis risus auctor finibus. Aenean ut risus velit. Nulla dictum risus quis velit porttitor, vel venenatis erat rutrum. Nam nibh sem, suscipit ac finibus a, dictum id tellus. Industrial Gothic Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed eleifend venenatis ornare. Nunc eget nulla ac dolor facilisis ullamcorper. Donec a enim eget elit tristique convallis. Nam pulvinar, ex ut dignissim gravida, ligula mi volutpat lacus, eleifend accumsan arcu tortor quis velit. In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Pellentesque cursus dapibus luctus. Donec euismod, sapien sollicitudin venenatis varius, elit felis consequat lacus, vel tristique nisi risus vel elit. Duis facilisis risus quis risus auctor finibus. Aenean ut risus velit. Nulla dictum risus quis velit porttitor, vel venenatis erat rutrum. Nam nibh sem, suscipit ac finibus a, dictum id tellus. DECORATIVE / TEXTURE FONTS HEaVYWEIGHT FONT Veteran Typewriter {16}

17 ILLUSTRATIVE TREATMENT & ICONS {120} The Early Years {130} Writer/Poet/Artist {140} Physician {150} Explorer {160} Soldier {170} In Flanders Fields {180} Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae Reflection {17}

18 ILLUSTRATIVE TREATMENT & ICONS {120} The Early Years {130} Writer/Poet/Artist {140} Physician {150} Explorer {160} Soldier {170} In Flanders Fields {180} Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae Reflection {18}

19 GRAPHIC TREATMENT Industrial Gothic {19}