National War Memorial

Situated within the National Historic Site of Confederation Square in Ottawa, the Canadian National War Memorial was built between 1937 and 1939. Designed by English sculptor Vernon March and cast at his family's foundry, the memorial initially commemorated Canadian soldiers who fought in the First World War. Over time, more dates of Canadian military significance were added to the granite base, along with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to the south — and the site now stands as the primary national memorial to the service of Canadian men and women. The large granite arch and base support 27 heroic-scaled bronze elements, including cannons, horses, and a crowd of soldiers and nurses pressing forward while allegorical figures of Liberty and Peace look on.

Our team was contracted to provide masonry and metal conservation services, beginning in 2015 with a conditions assessment, treatment recommendations, and testing and mock-ups of proposed materials. Following approval of the work program, our on-site role continued with conservation oversight; the work was implemented under our direction and completed on schedule in the fall of 2016.