Thomas Baillairgé

Who was Thomas Baillairgé?

Thomas Baillairgé was both a wood carver and architect, following the tradition of the family. He was the son of François Baillairgé and the grandson of Jean Baillairgé, both men being termed architects under the definition of the time. The family had been based in Quebec since 1741 and Thomas attended English school and then the Petit Séminaire de Québec . During the latter time, he would also have begun to learn wood carving and architecture.

By 1815, Thomas had begun his career in earnest, and from then until 1848, he designed numerous buildings; churches, houses and other projects. During this period he trained a number of students and had a great influence over them. Among his apprentices was Charles Baillairgé, his cousin's nephew. He also did wood carving and some painting. His lasting influence on Quebec architecture is his greatest legacy. Through his work and that of people he trained, this influence carried through the first two decades of the twentieth century.