McCrae House - Design Phase: 90% Schematic Design
November 2014 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} {3} {4} [90] Arrival/Entry
The Visitor Experience:
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.
Key Idea:
This is not a typical, regional Ontario museum experience.
{5} [100] Welcome/Reception/Gift Shop
The Visitor Experience:
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.
Key Idea:
Welcome to McCrae House
{6} [110] Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae – Persona
The Visitor Experience:
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.
Key Idea:
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.347.1 – McCrae with watermelon M2013.3.1.1 – His top hat M1968X.448.1 – McCrae, Bonfire & Bonneau
{7} [120] The Early Years
The Visitor Experience:
Visitors are introduced to the early years of John McCrae, his humble beginning and family life. Set against Family Business the context of 19th Century Ontario, visitors can contemplate the role of family, church, school and community M1989.1.1 – Exhibition Medal in shaping the character of a great man. M1968X.33.1 – Woolen Mill or M1991.9.1.190 M1968.96.3 – Blanket Key Idea: McCrae House Character begins in early development through family relationships, school, church life and community life. M1968.37.3.1 – Early View M1990.4.1 – Photograph album from Elizabeth Mowat who lived in the house in the 1940s. Proposed Stories: Shows some interior shots and outside shots
The overarching approach presents an intimate setting with personal artifacts and ephemera, family images St Andrews Church and memories of life in19th Century Ontario. The area employs the architectural reality of the house to M1991.9.1.70 – c. 1880 black and white cabinet card image of the church 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 Props:
Proposed Artifacts/Archives: Recreated family scrapbook for visitor engagement – follows John McCrae’s childhood milestones
M1968X.449.1 – Scrapbook McCrae with Ladies in Toronto 1893 Image 83 & 107 Admission to high school: Image 120 1885 Boys Own Calendar
M1991.9.1.48 - John Age 3 M1991.9.1.37 - John Age 1 M1968.28.1 - Baby Cup M1991.9.2.1 – McCrae age 16ish M1991.9.2.109 – John, Tom & Walter Gow (cousin) M1991.9.2.1 – John Age 18
Family Stuff M1997.6.3.2 Family China (there are lots of different pieces of family china) M1990.12.1 Stole – Belonged to Janet McCrae M1985.2.1 Footstool – Belonged to David McCrae and used by John M1997.6.1.8 Grandfather Clock
There is also lots of kitchen type objects used at Janefield
Family M1991.9.2.21 John Eckford M1968.337.1 Thomas and Jean McCrae M1968.339.1 David & Janet M1968.340.1 Janet, Tom, John & Geills M1968X.335.1.1 & 2 David & Mareon McCrae
{8} [130] Writer/Poet/Artist
The Visitor Experience:
In Writer/Poet/Artist visitors contemplate the many ways in which John McCrae expressed his understanding M1968X.449.1 – Scrapbook of the world around him. Personal correspondence, sketchbooks, early poems and more formal writings are Image 68, 84, 92, 96, 105, 114, 124, 130, 137, 148 – All variety of poems, short stories published presented to reveal that expression was a natural part of John McCrae’s communication style. Visitors are M1999.6.1 – Will have a few samples of McCrae’s poems in his handwriting engaged in a more visual way with a presentation that is looser, less M1968X.467.1 Literary and Scientific society admittance card traditional and perhaps uses a graphic/visual system or structure to anchor the exhibit. While artifacts and ephemera are still personal Art in nature they are presented in a way to provoke an understanding M1968X.237.1 Sketch Boer War that their intent and legacy are farther reaching. Perhaps the pieces M1968X.238.1 Sketch Boer War are presented in the context of a world map or a scenic visual layer. M1968.250.1 Boer War Sketchbook This area may also use the spaces above and below typical museum M1996X.1.1.28 Sketchbook sightlines to engage visitors in a provocative way. M1996X.2.1.13 Sketchbook M1996X.21.1 & .2 – Sketches Key Idea: M1968X.475.1.2 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.414.1 – Canadian Hospital of 17th Century M1968X.415.1 Canadian Horses in the African War M1968X.428.1 Privileges of Medicine M1968.427.1 – Bichat 1771-1802 M1989.5.1 – McGill University Magazine 1905 – Unconquered Dead M2006X.16.6 – Short Story Published M1968X.406.1.4 – Draft – Harbour of Lost Ships M1968X.435.1 - Story
{9} [140] Physician
The Visitor Experience:
This area explores the growth and evolution of John McCrae as a medical student, physician and military M1993.2.1 – 1892 U of T Graduating Class surgeon. The vast changes in the field of medicine relative to a visitor’s understanding of contemporary health M2008.1.1 McGill Medical Class 1914 – McCrae as Teacher practices will be evident here. Connection, influence and overlap of multiple facets from John McCrae’s M1986.3.1. Invoice experiences as more than a doctor, add to and build on the visitor’s perception and understanding of the man. M1986.3.2 Receipt A more factual and traditional approach using photo reference and educational milestones will underpin the M2008.2.1 Pathological Reports MGH 1896-1902 stories of career development, commitment and a heroic approach to care for other soldiers. A ‘career arc’ M1968X.346.1 – in Montreal approach engages visitors with photos-over-time of each stage of his career, layered with geographical and geo-political references M1972.5.4 – McGill No. 3 Hospital book to the changing conditions at each stage. Prop medical equipment will be available for interaction to challenge visitors to Proposed Props: guess the use or simply understand the reality and challenges of WWI era medical practice, care and tools. Recreation military medical instruments for visitor interaction and exploration
Key Idea:
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:
M1998.13.1 McCrae at McGill with Dr. W.G. Turner M1968X.449.1 – Scrapbook Image 64 Young Dr. Image 125 Faculty Medal Winners Image 131 Dr. at Mt. Airy
M1968x.413.1 – Pathology Textbook M1968X.478.1 – Dr. name plate
{10} [150] Explorer
The Visitor Experience:
Visitors are engaged via a discrete interactive kiosk where they can explore not only what Passenger List 1886 Empress of Ireland, 1906 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 M1968X.343.1 Prof. Patin’s Botany Class 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 There is a collection of photographs from the Hudson Bay Company Archives that documents the of interesting fact to visitors. Earl Grey Trip
1910 was also a time of great change in Canada with increased immigration, exploration of Proposed Media: 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 An interactive kiosk based database with interpretive overlay/intro screens to help guide and the bigger experience. It also helps to establish a current events – local, regional, national encourage exploration. 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.
Key Idea:
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:
M1993.4.1 Letter to mother 1910 (earl grey trip) M1997X.2.1 Passenger List 1902 M1988.1.1 Diary of Early Grey Trip M1968X. 368.1.3 Earl Grey Ship M1983X.3.1 McCrae with staff from McGill M2001.3.1 McCrae in Paris M1983X.4.1 Wawashkeshi Club House
M1968X.449.1 Scrapbook pages with travels, tickets Image 50 Mount Airy Images 98 & 99 Travels
{11} [160] Soldier
The Visitor Experience:
Visitors encounter the development and accomplishments of Lieutenant –Colonel John First World War McCrae’s military career. The facts and references present a full story from boyhood to M1997X.1.1 Business Card death exploring not only the valiant efforts but also the determination and commitment M2006.3.1 Duck Board of a decorated soldier. The overarching approach of this area may be more staid and M1991.7.10.2 – Syringe Set typically used by CAMC reverential. Artifacts and ephemera are presented simply, underpinned by John McCrae’s M1968X.446.1 - 1st Brigade Artillery personal notebooks and correspondence. Thematic messages are about commitment, M1968.361.1 First Brigade in England belief, honour and duty. The medals are displayed in this area in a place of M1994.7.1 Queen Mary Visiting No. 3 honour with a focused presence. M1986.4.1 CAMC scroll M1996X.22.1.2 Greeting Card 1917-1918 Key Idea: Uniform of a CAMC military officer – typical of what McCrae would have worn Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae was a dedicated and decorated soldier with M1968X.449.1 Image 67 Highland Cadet incredible accomplishments in two wars. M1968X.332.1 – Father David McCrae
Proposed Key Stories: Death Photographs: M1972.5.5.1, 2.3.4.5. Realities of war are presented using quotes and excerpts from McCrae’s correspondence.
Profiles of how the people ‘back home’ were engaged and affected by war.
Proposed Artifacts/Archives:
Boer War M1968X.244.1 Menu Card, 1901 M1993.3.1 M1968X.254.1 Military Orders M1968.452.1 – Scrapbook with lots of images from Boer War – includes John on his horse Jack M1968.96.8 – Bible M1999.4.1 Returning Soldier Ribbon M1968.245.5.2 Mess Kit used by John M1968X.260.1 Swagger stick
Kingston Military College M1968X.349.1 M1968X.449.1 Image 117 Admission Form M2001.1.16 M1968X.423.1 Certificate of Promotion
{12} [170] In Flanders Fields
The Visitor Experience:
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-year- old work into a contemporary context.
Key Idea:
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:
M1999.3.4.3 – a beautiful illustrated book of the poem by Ernest Clegg M1998.4.1 - stamps M1968.314.1 & 315.1 Buy Victory Bonds M1968X.318.1 – Poppy Day M1968X.168.1.23 – Scrapbook with all sorts of poems and answer poems M1968X.40.1.2 Wimereux Cemetery Bench
{13} [180] Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae – Reflection
The Visitor Experience:
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.
Key Idea:
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:
M1968.327-331 M1998.6.1
Proposed Media: a web access kiosk for e-post cards and outreach possible intake and presentation of visitor experiences, comments and reflections.
{14} COLOUR PALETTE
Pantone 7765 Pantone 7754 Pantone 7499
Pantone 7408 Pantone 485 Pantone 7621
Pantone 566 Pantone 534 Pantone 5255
{15} TYPOGRAPHY
BODY TEXT FONT HEADER TEXT FONT BODY TEXT & DROP CAP (WORD)
News Gothic Regular Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur Industrial Gothic adipiscing elit. Sed eleifend venenatis ornare. News Gothic Italic Nunc eget nulla ac dolor facilisis ullamcorper. Donec a enim eget elit tristique convallis. Nam News Gothic Bold pulvinar, ex ut dignissim gravida, ligula mi volutpat lacus, eleifend accumsan arcu tortor quis velit. In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Pellentesque Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing cursus dapibus luctus. Donec euismod, sapien elit. Sed eleifend venenatis ornare. Nunc eget sollicitudin venenatis varius, elit felis consequat nulla ac dolor facilisis ullamcorper. Donec a enim lacus, vel tristique nisi risus vel elit. Duis facilisis eget elit tristique convallis. Nam pulvinar, ex ut risus quis risus auctor finibus. Aenean ut risus dignissim gravida, ligula mi volutpat lacus, eleifend velit. Nulla dictum risus quis velit porttitor, vel accumsan arcu tortor quis velit. In hac habitasse venenatis erat rutrum. Nam nibh sem, suscipit ac platea dictumst. Pellentesque cursus dapibus luctus. finibus a, dictum id tellus. 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} 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} 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} GRAPHIC TREATMENT
Industrial Gothic
{19}