Eric Arthur

Eric Arthur (1898–1982) was a transformative figure in Canadian architecture. His many contributions extended across design, teaching, preservation, urban planning, criticism, and architectural history. This book explores his extensive influence and his legacy in shaping the creations, the profession, and the public awareness of architecture.

Art history and architecture professor Harold Kalman examines how Arthur spent his long career at the University of Toronto, where he taught and motivated countless aspiring architects, many of whom went on to become leaders in the field. As the long-time editor of the Journal of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, he guided architectural discourse and taste with his critiques, articles, and editorials. His popular book, Toronto: No Mean City (1964; 3rd ed., ed. by S.A. Otto, 1986) brought architectural history to the wider public and cemented his central role as a commentator on the city’s urban environment.

A charismatic leader for preservation advocacy and a founding member of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, Arthur increased public appreciation for old buildings. His efforts are showcased at the restored St. Lawrence Hall. Arthur was equally influential as a champion for the modern movement. He attracted outstanding modern architecture to his city, most notably in his central role in creating the internationally admired Toronto City Hall.

The book honours a Canadian cultural icon, demonstrating how Arthur extended his work beyond theory and into practice, through a lifelong dedication to architecture and urban planning – leaving a lasting legacy in heritage conservation.