The room’s two tapestries come from France and have a colourful history. The “Master of the Spirit” tapestry depicts a wealth of characters including Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Victor Hugo, and William Shakespeare. A unique aspect of this tapestry is that the weaver suffered a stroke before completing it. The honeycomb pattern in the right bottom corner demonstrates the neurological consequences of the stroke.
Acquired in 1967, the “Masters of Science” tapestry was donated by the late Mr. P.A. Woodward. The Memorial Room is named in honour of his father Charles, founder of the former department store which bore his name.
The text in French at the bottom of the tapestry reads: “En proie aux tourments de l’Inconnu ils entretiennent au long des ages le feu de la Recherche.” Its English translation is: “Tormented by the unknown, they keep the sacred fires of research burning throughout the ages.“
Visit the Memorial Room to enjoy this silent study space with a warm ambience.
Photo Credit: UBC Library Communications and Marketing (edited)
- Masters of Science Tapestry
Tapestry History This tapestry, worked in 1948 in a special workshop opened at Colombes particularly for the weaving of several models representing different scenes such as: Masters of Science–Masters of… Read more: Masters of Science Tapestry - Masters of the Spirit Tapestry
A Neurological Tapestry: Some time ago the Journal published a description of a modern French tapestry, “Masters of Science,” which hangs in the Woodward Biomedical Library of the University of British Columbia