Joseph Guardo Sketchbook - 1930's

We continue working on documenting the life and art of sculptor Joseph Guardo. Our most recent discovery is a priceless sketchbook from 1930-1932 which includes a number of drawings related to various projects he was involved with during the early 1930's shortly after his arrival in Montreal from Italy.  At the time he signed his name P. (for Peppino) Guardo. Based on these designs, if you look closely, you can still find works of art displayed around the city and elsewhere. For example on the exterior of schools, apartment buildings, banks, churches, cinemas, etc. Enjoy!

The Guardo Family

Location unknown

Montreal (Guy Street) - Commercial building

Bank of Montreal Shield

Valleyfield - Basilique-Cathédrale Sainte-Cécile

Québec City - Église Saint Dominique

School Entrance - Location Unknown

Montréal - Cinéma Le Château

Joseph Guardo - Another forgotten Michelangelo?

The art of Canadian sculptor Joseph Guardo, who died in 1978, is absolutely stunning. He was an accomplished artist and sculptor with a vast body of work, who used all types of media such as Bronze, Marble, Ceramics,Wood, Stone, Plaster, Clay, Oil, Inks,Watercolor, Charcoal, etc. Samples of his work, of both a religious and secular nature, can still be found in religious institutions, schools, private collections, cinemas, cemeteries, public squares, and on commercial buildings all across Canada, in parts of the United States and elsewhere in the world. It is puzzling to find that his work and reputation is still not more well known, and he has never received the true accolades he so justly deserves.

As a patron of the arts once stated "He could be considered one of the Michelangelo's of our times.....".

Early last year, one of his works of art, a 32' high by 26'6" wide Tableau (Painting on Canvas) located in the Former Saint Louis de France Church in Montreal, was torn down and thrown away by the new owners of the church before efforts to save it could be completed. Such a great loss, especially given that there have been other instances of his work being lost due to neglect, lack of funds, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Black and white image of Tableau behind Alter - 1952

It brings me to this profound question: How can we stop this from happening again and how can we ensure that Joseph Guardo finally get the acknowledgement he is due? I guess the answer is to be determined......

Below I have included just a very few samples which demonstrate the skill and the passion he had for his art. Enjoy!

Cemetery Monument - Montreal

Grouping at the Beauvoir Sanctuary

Statue for public area

Saint Cecile Cathedral in Valleyfield

Sketch of Shepherd for Nativity at Oratory

Sketch of one of Wise men for Nativity scene at Oratory

Private Collections - 1932

Private Collections - 1931

Bonsecours Chapel in Montreal - Marguerite Bourgeoys (1958)

Saint Dominique Church - Quebec City

Private Collections