STANDARD | Designed by DAY MILMAN + BRUNO BILLIO | RESERVE THIS ROOM

Gladstone Classic was generated by a desire to inscribe the ephemeral social history of the hotel directly onto the architectural fabric of the establishment itself.

ARTIST STATEMENT

The Gladstone has long been a comfortable hangout for the people of Parkdale.  This project was generated by a desire to inscribe the ephemeral social history of the hotel directly onto the architectural fabric of the establishment itself. Working with images from the archives, and in consultation with the staff, I developed a toile wallpaper which incorporates narratives of the building and the guests, workers and patrons who have enlivened the Gladstone over its rich recent history. Portraits of long-term residents, workers and guests show them as they typically pass their time at the Gladstone:  socializing, working, singing karaoke.  Each of these people has a relationship to this space that exceeds the latest concert or art event. For years, the Gladstone has been represented by the regulars, bartenders, and residents. Their stories of the Gladstone speak of its importance in their lives as the site of romantic triumphs and tribulations, families working and playing together, moments of joy and loss, real pain and the comfort of good friends who have known you a long, long time.

ARTIST BIO

Day Milman is a Toronto artist and video-maker. Her work explores the collision of private and public spaces and ideas of individuality and privacy.  Her work has been exhibited internationally.

Bruno Billio is an Artist in Residence at the Gladstone Hotel. Billio is fascinated by the architecture of spaces and objects. He transforms everyday objects, re-purposing them and even redefines the scale and position of objects. He is known for his stacked sculptures of furniture, found objects and string installations.

THANKS | I would like to thank Anne Powell, Percy Williams, Wayne Smallridge, Loretta, Hank, Terry Smith, and James Scott for their participation in this project and for sharing their stories.

CONTACT | Day: N/A
Bruno: www.brunobillio.com