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HEINZ GAUGEL | HISTORY OF THE WELLAND CANAL 1986 (located at the Seaway Mall, 800 Niagara Street Welland)
It’s impossible to encapsulate Gaugel’s life in just a few words: a veteran of WWII, an immigrant to Canada and someone who was both a teacher and an artist, Gaugel contributed two murals to the Welland Festival of Arts. He arrived in Canada in 1951 and died in 2001. He created large pieces of art in public spaces, churches, and private buildings.
The mural History of the Welland Canal was the first mural to go up in Welland in 1986. It depicts the development and construction of the Welland Canal. The artist captures the many obstacles that had to be overcome in the construction and development of the Niagara Peninsula.
Gaugel formatted the mural as a mix of historical images collaged together: these include a ship moving through the canal heading toward the locks on the right. Below this – collaging different historical moments into one larger scene – are Indigenous peoples from Niagara Falls and the Chippewa, who were the first inhabitants of the area and Gaugel also includes the first European settlers, portaging around Niagara Falls and the impassable spots in other rivers and creeks. William Hamilton Merritt and his surveyors also make an appearance, planning the first Welland Canal: they are balanced by labourers in the midst of the struggle to dig the canal through the peninsula.
Much more about Gaugel’s life and work can be seen here: https://en.wikipedia.
With our weekly posts about Welland artists and significant artistic works in the city, WCN is continuing to highlight the Welland Murals. Over the progression of these posts, we’re now looking at some of the murals that have endured significant damage as an impetus towards a more effective arts & culture policy from the city and relevant stakeholders.
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