The Honourable John C. Crosbie, Lieutenant Governor of
Newfoundland and Labrador, and Her Honour Jane Furneaux Crosbie, today
participated in the unveiling of Taylor's Pole of the North on
Government House grounds. This unique piece of art was hand carved by
Abiel Taylor, a longtime resident of Raleigh, a small fishing community
on the Great Northern Peninsula.
Taylor's Pole of the North is a hand-carved, wooden
pole depicting icons of Newfoundland and Labrador, including the puffin,
a codfish, seal, polar bear, kayaker and a fisherman. It was skillfully
carved from a salvaged utility pole over several months in 2006. Mr.
Taylor is a third generation hand carver, having learned the art from
his grandfather. He was present at the unveiling and accompanied by his
wife Viola along with several family members.
"This is a remarkable piece of art reflecting
significant icons that have been integral to the social fabric, and
indeed the economic survival of this great province and its people,"
stated the Lieutenant Governor. "We are immensely pleased that Mr.
Taylor has agreed to part with this fine piece of work for display at
Government House, so that a sizeable component of the resident
population and visiting tourists can enjoy and benefit from the
symbolism reflected in the work. Jane and I also extend our great
appreciation to Newfoundland Power, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
(Hydro) and Bell Aliant for acquiring this piece of art and donating it
to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador."
The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Tourism,
Culture and Recreation, attended the unveiling and spoke to the aspects
of Newfoundland and Labrador's heritage and culture depicted in the
artwork.
"While Taylor's Pole of the North is a very tangible,
and very unique piece of artwork, it is also representative of our
intangible culture and heritage, in that it speaks to a tradition of
hand carving which, in this case, has been handed down through several
generations of the Taylor family," said Minister French. "This wonderful
piece will serve as a focal point of interest on the grounds of
Government House, a Provincial Historic Site, and as a lasting legacy to
Mr. Taylor and his family."
Senior representatives of the three companies who
acquired and transported the piece of art over 1,000 kilometres from
Raleigh to Government House were also in attendance. Newfoundland Power,
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, and Bell Aliant stated how proud they
were to have partnered on this worthwhile project which recognizes the
incredible talent of Mr. Taylor, one of our own local artists, and to
see Taylor's Pole of the North proudly displayed on the grounds of
Government House for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to see and
enjoy.
Following the unveiling, Mr. Taylor and family members
were guests of honour at a luncheon hosted at Government House by Their
Honours. The Lieutenant Governor and Mrs. Crosbie wish to recognize
those who contribute, through their talent and skills, to the growth and
enhancement of our culture and our economy.
- 30 -