1930s W. B. Edwards Panoramic View of Quebec City

This is a beautiful 1930s panorama view of Quebec City as seen from the St. Lawrence. This delicately hand-tinted photograph shows the waterfront of the city, with the Citadelle atop the natural palisades, the skyline dominated by the exquisite Chateau Frontenac. The only structure rivaling the Chateau in height is the Edefice Price, Quebec’s first skyscraper. Indeed, it is the presence of this building, completed in 1931, that dates the picture.

Remarkably Well Preseerved

In addition to its astonishingly fine detail and coloring, this photograph is preserved in pristine condition - largely the auspices of the crépe envelope it was sold in, and which is still present. It bears the advertisement 'From The Art Studio’s (sic) of W. B. Edwards Photographer. No. 225 St. John Street Quebec.' W. B. Edwards were a long-lived commercial photography firm, situated in Quebec City from 1918 to 1992. The English-born Edwards, by choosing the English spelling of his address, is wearing his ‘Anglo’ on his sleeve here.

Publication History and Census

We have not encountered this piece on the market before, and we see none catalogued in institutional collections.