Massey College

The concept of the College originated in 1960 with Vincent Massey, the first Canadian-born Governor General of Canada. It is of great importance, he wrote, that it should, in its form, reflect the life which will go on inside it and should possess certain qualities — dignity, grace, beauty, and warmth. Four Canadian architects were invited to enter designs (Carmen Corneil, Arthur Erickson, John Parkin, and Ron Thom); all faced the challenge of a constricted site (300 by 150 feet). The Founders made their selection with care and discrimination, and their choice fell upon the late Ron Thom, then a partner with Thompson, Berwick and Pratt of Vancouver. He set up a practice in Toronto in 1963, the year Massey College opened, and went on to design buildings such as Trent University in Peterborough, and the Shaw Festival Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The College buildings, a modern reworking of a traditional theme, have won universal acceptance. Mr. Thom's plan called for buildings arranged around a quadrangle. There are five residences, each with their own internal staircases; together with the Gatehouse, they occupy the east, north and west sides of the quadrangle. Each Junior Fellow and Senior Resident living in the College is provided with a private study and adjoining bedroom. The Master's Lodging and office, the Robertson Davies Library, Upper Libary, Common Room, Ondaatje Hall, and Private Dining Room are located at the south end, while the Chapel and the Round Room are located at the north end.

The building is of brick and Indiana limestone. Wood, plaster, and bronze were used in its finish. All these materials were selected with regard to graceful aging. The related crafts of pottery, calligraphy, silverware, and stone carving have been integrated with the architectural design.

In 1989 the College was designated a historical building by the Toronto Historical Board.