A dominant theme in Thaddée Lebel’s career is the districts of Québec City. Here, the photographer captures a portion of Saint-Roch that was largely occupied by factories. The textile and footwear industries were important players in life in this neighbourhood at the turn of the 20th century. In fact, half of the labourers in Saint-Roch worked in this sector.

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!

Saint-Roch district

Thaddée Lebel A dominant theme in Thaddée Lebel’s career is the districts of Québec City. Here, the photographer captures a portion of Saint-Roch that was largely occupied by factories. The textile and footwear industries were important players in life in this neighbourhood at the turn of the 20th century. In fact, half of the labourers in Saint-Roch worked in this sector.

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Depicted period: 1928

Source: Ville de Québec Document in the public domain (free of copyright) - Thaddée Lebel Fonds - Date: 1928

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