Photo credit: © Harry in Calgary
"The Family of Man", sculptured by Mario Armengol, are located at the Calgary Education Centre, 515 Macleod Trail S.E., in Calgary, Alberta.
|
These sculptures were specifically
commissioned for that part of Britain's Pavilion at Expo 67 which
portrayed Britain responding to the challenge of the world problems and
meeting international responsibilities. They were conceived and designed
by Mario Armengol, who aimed to inspire two moods - an immediate reaction
to man dominating and then a contradictory feeling of insignificance and
dependence.
The sculptures, despite their height of 21 feet, are unmistakably human - naked, raceless, expressionless men and women. They are placed in groups, hands extended in gestures of fellowship and goodwill. At the conclusion of Expo 67, Robert Cummings purchased the sculptures on behalf of Maxwell Cummings and Sons, who donated them to the City of Calgary. A special committee of citizens reviewed numerous offers of sites for these statues, and finally agreed the area in front of the Calgary Education Centre, 515 Macleod Trail S.E., was the most suitable location. The Education Centre is the home of the central administration of the Calgary Board of Education. The Board operates close to 220 schools serving approximately 100,000 day-time students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. In addition, there are approximately 3000 students attending the Adult Academic classes offered by the system each year. Note: The above write-up was culled directly from the Calgary Board of Education web site. |
