O-1649

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chair (Clerk's)

Clerk's Chair

This historical chair of gothic revival style was the first Clerk's chair designed for the House of Commons Chamber, in the original Parliament Building. It was first used by Clerk Alfred Patrick (1873-1880), and by Clerk John G. Bourinot (1880-1903), who kept it after his retirement, in keeping with the long tradition associated with the Speaker's Chair. It was presented to the House of Commons by Sir Bourinot's son, Arthur S. Bourinot, in 1941.