Briarly’s story isn’t one of sadness. It is a tale of remembrance. Here stands the Briarly – Gone But Not Forgotten Mural. It’s a vibrant testament to a place lost but not forgotten.
This mural, created by artist John Kuna in 2007, depicts Briarly. Briarly was once the home of the William Montgomery family. They lived there from 1870 to 1989. The house stood proudly in Islington.
Briarly, also known as the Gunn house, was built in the 1840s. Originally, it was a frame Regency style cottage. It was located on the south side of Dundas. That was just east of T. Montgomery’s Inn.
In the 1850s, it was significantly altered. It gained an Italianate appearance. The heritage community fought hard to save it. They wanted the house maintained and restored. However, Etobicoke Council defeated a motion by a narrow 7 to 6 vote.
Tragically, Briarly was demolished in August 1989. Developers tore it down. Townhouses now occupy the site at 4681 Dundas. The loss of Briarly was heartbreaking. It hit the heritage community of Toronto hard.
Rather than focusing on mourning and loss, Kuna designed this mural. The Briarly – Gone But Not Forgotten Mural conveys comfort. It brings peace, a sense of home and family. It is an image of endurance and renewal.
Kuna painted it in a Post-Impressionist style. The mural illustrates a piece of Islington’s history. It captures the essence of a beloved home. The mural shows us Briarly’s spirit lives on.
Look closely. Notice the details. Imagine the Montgomery family living here. Picture their lives unfolding within those walls. Consider the laughter, the stories, and the memories created. The Briarly – Gone But Not Forgotten Mural invites you to reflect. It encourages us to value our history.
This mural stands near Turner and Porter’s Butler Chapel. The location is 4937 Dundas Street West. It’s more than just paint on a wall. It is a reminder of what once was. It embodies the enduring power of memory. It shows how art can transform loss into a celebration of life.
So, as you stand before the Briarly – Gone But Not Forgotten Mural, remember Briarly. Remember the Montgomery family. Appreciate the enduring spirit of community. Let this image of renewal inspire you. Let it remind you that even in loss, there is beauty and hope.