In 1905 this building became home to the Brunswick Balke Collendar Co. manufacturers of billiard tables, billiard balls, cues, cue racks, score boards, bowling equipment and at one point even phonograph records. Brunswick sold the building to Orfus Investments in the 1960's and for the next thirty years the old factory was used primarily as storage space. In the late 1980's a major renovation transformed the building into office space and artist studios.
In 1991 the Academy was founded with the opening of the Samuel May room. A second room was opened in 1994 and appropriately named after the founder of the Brunswick company; John Brunswick. This was the first and most significant expansion of the Academy. The space now occupied by the Brunswick Room previously consisted of 2 large rooms, a hallway, an elevator stop, the Academy storage room and Rick's loft. After much re-construction the new room was born.
The billiard tables and accessories found in this room were all manufactured in the building. They have returned home. The bar was built in France at the end of the 19th century, and the stained glass lamps that light the bar are early 20th century. The windows that separate the Brunswick and Chenier rooms were part of the now demolished Massey Harris factory on King Street at Strachan. Massey Harris was the largest Canadian manufacturer of farm tractors and implements in the first half of the 20th century.
Since 1996 we have hosted art exhibitions in this room. For many this room is referred to as the John Brunswick Gallery. Each year six to eight emerging artists exhibit their work in return for a contribution to the Academy's permanent collection. As you can see our art filled walls are a testament to Canadian art.
This room has of course been the scene of many unique and fun filled events. Some previous attendees from the film industry include Harrison Ford, Kevin Bacon, Woody Harrelson, David Cronenberg, Michael Moore, Matt Damon, Gary Sinise, Kyra Sedgewick and Paul Sorvino. From the music industry we have hosted artists such as Maureen Forester, Michael Burgess, Geddy Lee, I Mother Earth, Our Lady Peace, Moist, Neil Young and U2. From the sports community, athletes such as Roger Clemens, Dave Winfield, the Toronto Raptors, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays. The King of Sweden has even hosted a reception in this room. Film wrap parties, sports award ceremonies and royal receptions have helped create a colourful history which is as varied and interesting as the people who have attended them.
The John Brunswick Gallery
Original Academy text · 2012. View the original capture
The original room descriptions and brief history give different years for the Brunswick and Chenier expansions. Their wording is preserved here.