Redpath Hall, built in 1893 and designed by Scottish architect Sir Andrew Taylor (1850-1937), was donated by businessman and philanthropist Peter Redpath (1821-1894) and his wife Grace Wood Redpath (1816-1894). The entire Redpath building, with its stately interior, high ceilings, stained glass windows, exposed beams, and sculpted ornaments, was first constructed to serve exclusively as a library for the University and the larger community. It has since been converted into a meeting room used for concerts, official ceremonies, and special University events.
On the walls of Redpath Hall are hung thirty or so portraits of influential chancellors, principals, and generous benefactors, each representing the rich history of the University from its foundation forward. The majority of these portraits were created by important Canadian and British artists, including Robert Harris (1849-1919), John Gilroy (1898-1985), and Gentile Tondino (1923-2001). The chronological display of the works constitutes an interesting representation of how Western trends of official portraiture has evolved over the past two centuries.
