Jean Matheson Pavilion, Shaughnessy Hospital

The Shaughnessy Hospital was built in 1940 for the Department of National Defence. Also known as Shaughnessy Military Hospital, it served as an important point of care for servicemen injured in the line of duty, and functioned as a residence for many veterans as well as a workplace for nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals. The hospital was also the site of a royal visit in 1951 by Princess Elizabeth and Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.

Designed by Mercer & Mercer architects, the building is also one of Vancouver’s last surviving examples of mid-20th century hospital architecture, featuring a grand symmetrical entranceway with ornate metalwork. The building is also a very significant example of reinforced concrete construction, with concrete used as the cladding as well as the structure. Of particular interest are two relief panels by the Canadian artist Beatrice Lennie framing the former main entrance of the hospital. The panel to the left of the doors depicts a nurse helping an injured soldier, while the panel to the right of the doors shows a doctor holding a wounded serviceman. These significant artworks are an integral part of the sophisticated, Streamline Moderne façade of the hospital. The reliefs have been recognized by VHF as part of the “Places that Matter” plaque project. Visit our PTM webpage for more information.

The Jean Matheson Pavillion, built in 1946, was named for Jean Matheson, the director of nursing for Shaughnessy Millitary Hospital (1919 - 1937). Also designed by Mercer & Mercer in the Moderne style, it features stepped horizontal massing and horizontal banding.

Source

Heritage Vancouver Top Ten Endangered Sites 2009, City of Vancouver Council report 2014

More information

https://thediscoverblog.com/2015/12/21/shaughnessy-hospital-dedication-and-innovation-in-war-and-peace/