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In the 1920s, Thaddée Lebel was commissioned to photograph the construction of the Château Frontenac’s Saint-Louis wing and central tower. Over a four-year period, he was on site at every stage of the construction. Photo albums allowed developers and managers to monitor the progress on the site without having to travel.
1920 - 1929

Thaddée Lebel, a pioneer of photography in Québec City

Québec City has inspired many a photographer. One of the best known is Thaddée Lebel. Born in Québec City in 1874, he began his career at the Livernois Studio in 1888. From 1913 onwards, he built a solid reputation as an independent photographer. The provincial secretariat and archives, the provincial exhibition commission and the City of Québec called on him to document various events. He was also the one who took the many photographs of the construction of the Château Frontenac’s central tower. His work provides precious documentation of life in Québec City from the 1920s to the 1940s. Let’s learn more about his career!

Construction of the Saint-Louis wing of the Château Frontenac

Thaddée Lebel In the 1920s, Thaddée Lebel was commissioned to photograph the construction of the Château Frontenac’s Saint-Louis wing and central tower. Over a four-year period, he was on site at every stage of the construction. Photo albums allowed developers and managers to monitor the progress on the site without having to travel.
Chronoscope Do you have any comments about this image? (unilingual French for a limited time) Source: Ville de Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Thaddée Lebel Fonds - Date: 1920-04-06