P is for panoramic photographs
Panoramic photography was born from the desire to capture a wide, unobstructed view of the world.
This was first achieved by taking individual photographs and overlapping them, one over the other. It was a challenging task that required photographers to move the camera while maintaining careful alignment.
By the end of the 19th century, seamless panoramas were created with custom-designed cameras and film.
View of Toronto skyline as seen from the roof of the new MacLean Building, University Avenue and Dundas Street West
Photographer unknown
July 1930
Gelatin-silver print
Baldwin Collection of Canadiana
Click image for full panorama
This photograph is remarkable not only because of the breadth and quality of the panoramic image, but also for its unique vantage point. Most views of Toronto’s skyline are captured looking north from the harbour. This view, however, spans the city’s skyline looking south.
On the left, looking southeast, the ‘old’ City Hall and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce dominate. In the centre, you can see the back of the Royal York Hotel. To the right, facing southwest, you can spot the Canada Life building under construction. It opened in 1931.