John Ostell

Who was John Ostell?

John Ostell architect, surveyor and manufacturer, was born in London, England and emigrated to Canada in 1834, where he apprenticed himself to a Montreal surveyor André Trudeau to learn French methods of surveying. In 1837 he married Eleonore Gauvin, a member of a prominent French Catholic family in the city. His marriage ensured entry to French Canadian society, he was appointed diocesan architect for Montreal. In 1849 he formed a partnership with his nephew Henri-Maurice Perrault, this was the formation of one the first architectural dynasties in Canada.

He mostly worked in the Greek Revival style of architecture. His first work in Montreal was the city's original Custom House, completed in 1836. This was followed by the McGill University Arts Building, 1839–1843, the oldest building on the McGill campus, extended 1860-1862; Asile des Soeurs de la Providence, 1842; High School of Montreal, 1845; Protestant Orphan Asylum, 1848; Palais episcopal 1849, burnt 1852; Eglise de Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Graces, 1851; Church of St Anne, 1853; Grand séminaire de Montréal, 1854; and the Old Montreal Court House, now known as the Édifice Lucien-Saulnier.1856-1859.