François Baillairgé


François Baillairgé was an architect who also pursued painting and wood sculpture.
The son of Jean Baillairgé, François began an apprenticeship in his father's shop at the age of 14. There he studied and practised woodworking, wood-carving, and architecture. His brother, Pierre-Florent, was also active as a carver and joiner in the business. He also studied at the Petit Séminaire de Québec and then studied in Paris for three years, returning to Lower Canada in 1781. His training in Paris, although not completed, gave him a strong foundation in painting, sculpture, and architecture.
A great deal of his work was in the field of painting and he was very productive although he did not achieve a level of success that matched his ambition. He had a high level of achievement as a wood-carver in architectural projects working through his father's workshop.
By 1815, he had introduced his son, Thomas, into the family business and they produced some substantial work together. François also produced many plans for a variety of clients in his work as an architect.

Works


BuildingYear CompletedBuilderStyleLocationImage
Morrin Centre, 1808 - 1813François BaillairgéChaussée des Écossais, Quebec City
Notre-Dame Basilica interior decoration;choir 1785-95; facade & vault decoration, 1818; demolished, 1824François BaillairgéMontreal
Quebec Court House1799-1804; burned 1873François BaillairgéSt. Louis Street, Quebec City
Chateau St. Louis1810-11; burned 1834François BaillairgéQuebec City
Former Trois-Rivières Prison1816-1822François BaillairgéTrois-Rivières
Congregationalist Chapel1818François BaillairgéSt. Joseph Street, Quebec City
Église Saint-Roch1811, burned 1816; rebuilt 1816-18; demol. 1914François BaillairgéSt. Joseph Street, Quebec City
Grand Allee, country residence for Joseph F. Perrault1812François BaillairgéQuebec City
Finlay Market1816François BaillairgéQuebec City
Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, Quebec City, remodeling of the facade and interior1816François BaillairgéPlace Royale, Quebec City
Jesuit Chapel1818François BaillairgéAuteuil Street, Quebec City