"The Canadian Arch. Canada, Britain's Granary. God Save Our King and Queen". Commemorative tissue souvenir.

London: Halsted Publishing Co., 1902. A wonderful woodblock color and b&w illustrated souvenir featuring the Canadian Arch, which was erected on the ceremonial route for King Edward VII's coronation in London, saluting the about to be crowned King and advertising Canada as an attractive emigration opportunity.

The Arch, a gift from Canada, was decorated with bundles of grain, lit by electric lighting, draped in purple and gold cloth, and positioned in the middle of Whitehall, for the royal procession to pass through. Thousands turned out to see the Arch, including those on buses who missed their destinations so that they could pass under it again.

The caption on this souvenir printed below the image of the Arch reads, "It is the finest object lesson ever given by a Colony to the Empire, graphically and picturesquely presenting Canadian Life, the Arch being a Book the millions can read. It is fifty six feet high, sixty wide, and twenty five in the Arch".

The banner on the Arch seen in this souvenir ("Canada. Britain's Granary. God Bless Our King and Queen") was the message which appeared on the side of the Arch facing Buckingham Palace.

The message on the opposite side read, "Canada. Free Homes for Millions. God Bless the Royal Family". The image of the Arch is printed in black. The border of the souvenir is printed in color, decorated in a pattern of pink and red cherry garlands, highlighted in gilt.

13 x 14". Slightly ruffled along left edge, otherwise very good condition. Very good condition. Item #25838

Price: $375.00