Breaking through the tin ceiling

Tin ceilings were all the rage in the late Victorian age. Toronto was no exception, and tin ceilings could be found in some of the more upscale residences and commercial enterprises. One of the more impressive ceilings was at the "Lakeview Hotel" in Cabbagetown (now the "Winchester Hotel"). It was featured in a trade catalogue for the "Metallic Roofing Company of Canada" which supplied metal plates, borders and cornices.


The Metallic Roofing Company of Canada began it's operation in 1884 and was the first such company in Canada. It was located at 1190-1192 King Street West. Tin ceiling tiles held enormous appeal as they were affordable, fireproof and could be decorated with custom designs. Sadly, the building fell into disrepair, but unlike many Toronto gems, it was dismantled and is presently in storage with the Ontario Heritage Trust. The façade is on display at the Ontario Heritage Trust building on Adelaide if you want to get a rare peak at a pressed metal building façade.

Knock Knock Who's there?

Dating back to ancient Greek times, the door knocker has evolved from the simply functional to the highly ornate and often whimsical level.

Some of the earliest English and Continental knockers were made of forged iron-a material that was relatively inexpensive and durable.

As tastes and incomes changed, so did the material and many knockers began to be manufactured out of brass and bronze. The metal castings proved to be more adaptable to different forms-urns with floral swags, animal or human heads, and popular designs of the period whether it be Colonial, Georgian, Victorian etc.

Early American knockers were often very plain, with two types available, ones with or without name plates-the plates being made of brass which were easier to engrave.

Generally the three styles include the simple ring knocker, the hammer (or pendant) knocker and the animal/figural head knocker.

There are some wonderful examples of antique, vintage and modern knockers.

One curious note, the majority of hand knockers seem to be left-handed.....