Horse Power – The Paul Bienvenu Carriage Collection: rolling, gliding, forever gleaming

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

Gatineau, Quebec, March 23, 2016 — The Canadian Museum of History invites visitors to explore the history of horse-drawn vehicles in Quebec from 1770 to 1950, in the exhibition Horse Power – The Paul Bienvenu Carriage Collection, presented until April 17, 2017.

The exhibition opens a window on a bygone era, when horses were indispensable for land transportation and horse-drawn carriages embodied social status. Visitors can admire 18 exquisite horse-drawn carriages and sleighs, including 14 made in Quebec. They will also discover the history and expertise of Quebec carriage-makers, several of whom achieved great fame, like Bruno Ledoux, renowned as the greatest coach builder in Canadian history.

Developed by the Musées de la civilisation in Quebec City, Horse Power examines the use of horse-drawn vehicles in daily life and highlights the historical ties that connect the collection to Catholic cardinals, Quebec’s rich and famous businessmen, politicians and governors general. The oldest vehicle in the exhibition is a calèche made in Québec City at the end of the 18th century. A sleigh manufactured by J. Joseph Saurin of Québec City was one of Canada’s entries in the first world fair, held in London in 1851. And a sleigh by Bruno Ledoux was used by four governors general.

All the vehicles in Horse Power were carefully selected from The Paul Bienvenu Carriage Collection, donated by Mr. Bienvenu to the Musées de la civilisation in 2011. It is considered one of the finest collection of horse-drawn vehicles in North America and is recognized by the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board as a Canadian cultural treasure of outstanding national interest and importance.

“The Museum is pleased to present this unique collection of horse-drawn vehicles, an important record of a not-so-distant past,” said Jean-Marc Blais, Director General of the Canadian Museum of History. “Thanks to Mr. Bienvenu, who knew so well how to preserve these magnificent horse-drawn vehicles, we can now share their valuable stories with Canadians.”

Visitors are invited to use Twitter to write a short literary text, using a maximum of 140 characters, inspired by 4 of the 18 vehicles displayed in the exhibition. Each submission to the Twitterature activity will automatically be entered in a contest to win a prize, including a two-night stay at the landmark luxury hotel the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa.

Horse Power – The Paul Bienvenu Carriage Collection is a travelling exhibition produced by the Musées de la civilisation and presented at the Canadian Museum of History from March 24, 2016 to April 17, 2017.

This exhibition is being presented at the Museum of History in a gallery dedicated to showcasing the collections of partner museums from across Canada. In so doing, the Museum of History is fulfilling its role as a national institution by giving Canadians the opportunity to discover their rich cultural heritage.

Located on the shores of the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, the Canadian Museum of History is Canada’s largest and most popular cultural institution, attracting over 1.2 million visitors each year. The Museum’s principal role is to enhance Canadians’ knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the events, experiences, people and objects that have shaped Canada’s history and identity, as well as to enhance Canadians’ awareness of world history and culture. Work of the Canadian History Museum is made possible in part through financial support of the Government of Canada.

–­ 30 –­

Media contacts:
Stéphanie Verner
Media Relations Officer
Telephone: 819-776-7169
Email: stephanie.verner@historymuseum.ca

Éliane Laberge
Social Media and Media Relations Officer
Telephone: 819-776-7097
Email: eliane.laberge@historymuseum.ca