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Art installation at Google's Kitchener offices pays homage to innovative past of buildings – CBC.ca

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In the heart of Kitchener’s tech scene is an homage to the past.

A new art installation can be seen outside Google’s offices in Kitchener. Steel rings were installed at the base of the five-storey columns outside 20 Breithaupt St. and on them are photos that show people who used to work in the factories in the area.

The project is by the building’s owner, Perimeter Development, in collaboration with the Kitchener Public Library archives.

Adrianne Bobechko, Perimeter’s director of development, said the idea came after a community member dropped off an old family photo.

“They thought, ‘Hey, it would be nice if the new owners had this photo,'” Bobechko said. “So we had that photo up in our office for many, many years.”

The original photo submitted to Perimeter Development depicts workers standing outside of Merchants Rubber Factory in 1923. (Cameron Mahler/CBC)

As time passed, Perimeter’s design team kept bringing the photo up in conversations.

Bobechko said they thought: “Wouldn’t that be cool to actually incorporate that photo into the development to pay homage to the past.”

An image from inside merchant Rubber Factory in 1908 shows wooden feet the rubber would have been moulded over. (Cameron Mahler/CBC)

The photos on the rings date back as far as 1908. Before they were Google occupied, the buildings at the end of Breithaupt housed rubber moulders and leather tanners.

“The rings have photos from the evolution of those different sectors,” Bobechko said.

“You actually see in the buildings themselves with all the equipment and the machinery,” she added. “There’s also a lot of women who worked at the building, which is great, so we’ve also been able to highlight their contribution to the industry.”

A 1956 advertisement for foam rubber on the columns contains representation of the women in the industry. (Cameron Mahler/CBC)

Bridging the gap between Waterloo’s manufacturing past and its innovative future doesn’t stop at the rings.

“One thing that you’ll see in our new developments here is the colour orange,” Bobechko said.

The rings are meant to connect the industrious history of the Breithaupt block to its innovative future. (Cameron Mahler/CBC)

The orange symbolizes the soles of rubber boots, hearkening back to the Merchants Rubber Company who started making rubber footwear in 1907 at what is now 51 Breithaupt St.

“Our bike rings in the front, you’ll see they’re actually a rubber ring with an orange clamp,” she said. “Same with our garbage cans at the front, just to add that pop of colour and pay that little bit of respect.”

These bike racks on the Breithaupt block contain the colour orange to symbolize the rubber soles of the boots that used to be made at Merchant Rubber Factory. (Cameron Mahler/CBC)

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone  BBC.com



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Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

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Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.

The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.

Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”

With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.

The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.

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