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Coal Box

This coal box, built from oak and wrought iron, is part of one of the 73 fireplace sets created for Centre Block on Parliament Hill.

After most of the original building was destroyed by a fire in 1916, renowned Montréal craftsman Paul Beau was commissioned to produce decorative hand-wrought ironwork for its replacement, including fireplace accessories, light fixtures and railings.

The fireplace sets created by his iron workshop also include a fire screen, a fender, a basket, a poker, andirons and tongs.

The iron master was a leading Canadian figure in the Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. He embraced the movement’s ideal that functional items should also be beautiful and express the maker’s artistry. His work can be found in museums and buildings across Canada, including Saskatchewan’s legislative building.

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