18 Oct 2017

Copper Paneled Lobby


Location: Lobby of 55 Queen St. E.
Date photo taken: 15 February 2017

This elevator lobby on Queen Street East is decorated with hammered copper panels created by Laszlo Buday. Buday was born in Hungary but left following the uprising in 1956, eventually settling in Canada. He is perhaps best known for his work as a graphic designer, particularly his stint as art director for Canadian Architect magazine. He began working with copper in 1969. His process involves raising the designs by hammering on the back of the copper panels. When the initial designs are complete, the panels are reinforced with liquid aluminum and then areas of the display surface are selectively darkened and polished and finally sealed to prevent oxidation of the copper.

These panels were installed when the building was erected in 1973. Just down the street, another set of panels by Buday can be found in the lobby of 27 Queen St. E. 

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