Glorious Victorian Homes
150 Years of Architectural History in British Columbia's Capital
About the Book
Winner of the 2016 Hallmark Heritage Society Award
Discover the rich and diverse architectural history of Victoria through the city’s most historically significant homes.
Unlike many cities that have demolished its old houses to make way for new condos and cookie-cutter cul-de-sacs, an astonishing array of historically significant homes still grace the tree-lined streets of BC’s beautiful capital city. This guided tour reveals a captivating cross-section of the city’s residential architecture, from the rustic charm of early vernacular homesteads through to the trendy Tudor Revival cottages made popular by Samuel Maclure.
Told through more than 250 colour photographs, heritage conservationist Nick Russell touches on each of the benchmark moments that define the city’s growth. Glorious Victorian Homes delves into the history of each of the houses featured including the architects who built them, the families who lived in them, and their distinctive structural details.
The book tracks the region’s cultural and economic history through the evolution of its dormers, gables, and sweeping verandahs to shed light on Victoria’s magnificent residential legacy.
Reviews
“Victoria is undeniably a glorious city,” writes veteran author and heritage specialist Nick Russell. Well, this is undeniably a glorious book full of gorgeous photographs and fascinating historical tidbits. Russell’s informed introduction explains not only why so many varied styles developed in Victoria, but also illuminates the political vision that has allowed these beautiful buildings to endure while so much of BC’s original housing stock has been short-sightedly razed—and he concludes with practical solutions to protect Victoria from our present demolition craze. While Glorious Victoria Homes is a pleasurable armchair read from afar, it will be an even better hands-on guide on for my next trip to Victoria. I can’t wait.” —Caroline Adderson, co-author and editor of Vancouver Vanishes: Narratives of Demolition and Revival