I am, by nature, a skeptic. So when I heard that Québec City intended to install giant, multi-colored lampshades along Avenue Cartier, I thought that authorities were embarking on a project that would spoil one of the city’s most beautiful streets, one that would be out of fashion before it was even completed.
I could not have been more wrong. I love the new lampshades of the Montcalm neighborhood! They are a resounding success.
There are 34 of them in all between the Grande Allée and Chemin Ste-Foy. Installed five meters above the pavement, these abat-jours radiate their vividly-colored designs outward, while focusing a bright, utilitarian light on the street below.
The lampshades show off the works of two artists of the region. Alfred Pellan, born in Québec City in 1906, was recognized early for his brilliant use of brilliant color. Fernand Leduc, who died just last year in his hometown of Montreal, has been dubbed by the Musée des beaux-arts a “painter of light.” Their creations lend themselves perfectly to this new back-lit medium.
The lampshades were originally intended to warm the winter nights, but popular demand has kept them in place to brighten the long evenings of the Québec summer as well.
They look beautiful, looking forward to coming to Quebec again soon
Lovely addition to a lovely city.
Very nice !
WOW ! Thank you for the pictures and information. What a treat !!!
Wonderful idea! My husband and I are returning to Quebec for a few days and I’m looking forward to strolling on the Avenue Cartier.
My visit was too short. I have to come back to visit this beautiful city.
indeed these ” abat jours” create a very colorful and warm atmosphere tonthe already vivid tempo of la rue Cartier….magnifiques photos cher coach et ami….bravo !
Colette
Always look forward to your interesting mail. Thanks.
Thank you for the lovely pics.
I wish I were there to see them. They are so colorful and happy.
We need HAPPY cities!
Those are absolutely beautiful and uplifting. How could anyone not smile at the sight. Wish they were there when I was in Quebec last year.
Cool! Something unique.
Thanks for the specs it will be useful on my tours. Cheers!
Maravillosamente bonita!
The lamp shades look beautiful making Quebec look unique.
Hello Neil,
I shared yous skepticism and I’m also positively impressed by these very special abat-jour which add to the vitality/originality of our Unesco wonderful City.
Denis Laberge
Wow, these are absolutely stunning! I can only imagine how they look in real life and this is a beautiful reminder of how much I enjoyed my stay in Quebec City. Thanks Neil
Thank you, Neil, to share this wonderful picture!
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