The Brickworks, Toronto

Estate of the artist Private Collection, Ontario

Founded and developed in 1889 by the Taylor brothers - John, William and George - the trio uncovered high quality clay on The Brickworks site that could be sourced for brick-making. Capitalizing on this opportunity in a bourgeoning city, the brothers opened the plant on the south end of the current property near the Don River and where key players in the brick-making industry. Often focusing on the industrialization of Toronto in the early twentieth century, Sheppard's documentary depiction of The Brickworks serves as a historical token of the integral quarry industry in Toronto. The former quarry produced bricks for landmark institutions including Casa Loma, Osgoode Hall, Massey Hall and the Ontario Legislature. The site now stands as a public park dedicated to environmental community and cultural projects.