Gooderham Building, Toronto (Flatiron)

This sketch depicts the Gooderham Building, also known as the Flatiron Building, is an iconic landmark in Toronto's skyline that has captivated artists and photographers for over a century. Located at the intersection of Wellington Street East and Front Street East in the St. Lawrence neighborhood, this distinctive wedge-shaped structure stands as a testament to Toronto's architectural heritage.

Built in 1892 and designed by architect David Roberts Jr., the Gooderham Building predates its more famous New York counterpart by a decade. The structure was commissioned by George Gooderham, son of William Gooderham, who founded the prosperous Gooderham and Worts distillery. At the time of its construction, it was the most expensive office building in Toronto, costing $18,000.

The building's unique triangular shape results from the confluence of Wellington Street, which follows Toronto's traditional grid, and Front Street, which traces the city's original lakeshore. This distinctive form has earned it the nickname "Flatiron," reminiscent of a cast-iron clothes iron.

Standing at five stories tall, the Gooderham Building showcases exquisite Romanesque and Gothic Revival architectural elements. Its red-brick facade is adorned with intricate details, including Romanesque cornices, decorative friezes, and Gothic archways. The steep copper-clad roof, punctuated by gabled dormers, adds to its visual appeal.
The Gooderham Building's significance extends beyond its architectural beauty. It represents a pivotal moment in Toronto's development, symbolizing the city's growing prosperity and ambition in the late 19th century. The structure has withstood the test of time, surviving the urban renewal efforts of the 1960s that saw many historic buildings demolished.

Today, the Gooderham Building stands as a beloved landmark, bridging Toronto's past and present. Its presence in the city's skyline offers a striking contrast to the modern skyscrapers of the nearby Financial District, serving as a reminder of the city's rich architectural heritage. The building's enduring popularity is evident in its frequent appearances in photographs, paintings, and sketches by artists captivated by its timeless elegance and historical significance.

FOR ART PRINTS: 

• Sizes available are: 5"x7", 8'x10", 9"x12" and 11"x14".
• Reproduced on high-quality 100lb paper and archival ink so your art will last for years to come! Ready to frame for wall art. Colours may vary due to screen/monitor settings.
• Framing: We do not offer framing at this time.

FOR GREETING CARDS:

• Size available is: 4.25”x5.5”.

PAPER & DESCRIPTION

• Print and cards are of my original handmade marker sketches.
  
• For my original work I use Copic, and Winsor and Newton alcohol-based and acrylic ink markers.
• Prints are signed by the artist.

PACKAGING
Prints: All prints are packaged with love, sealed in an eco-friendly, compostable cello sleeve made of plant fibers with thick backing cardboard and mailed in a non-bend envelope to ensure the print remains in perfect condition.
Greeting Cards: All cards are blank inside and a kraft envelope is included. All greeting cards are packed in a clear cellophane bag. 

ECO EFFORTS

• It's very important to us to keep being as eco-friendly as possible.
• PLA compostable sleeves and recycled postcards.
• We welcome and encourage any suggestions you might have.

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COPYRIGHT
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Any unauthorized reprint or use of this image is strictly prohibited. No part of the artwork may be reproduced, resold, or used for promotional or social media use without written consent from the artist of © Wynand van Niekerk, @downtownsketcher.

Copyright © Wynand van Niekerk ALL RIGHTS RESERVED