Michael Redhill’s novel Consolation is an intriguing tale of Toronto told through two narratives, parallel but separated by a century and a half.  It combines a vivid account of the struggles and challenges of newcomer Jem Hallam to mid 19th century Toronto, with a modern account of the difficulties in trying to preserve that past in the present day.

Redhill’s inspiration for the photographs of Jem Hallam were images taken in 1856-57 by the photography company of Armstrong, Beere and Hime.  Come to the City of Toronto Archives to see these photographs that influenced this novel. 

Examine maps, photographs and other archival records that shed light on the lives of Toronto’s citizens in the mid nineteenth century, and see how they lived and worked and what the city they called home has changed. 

View materials that illustrate how Toronto’s lakeshore has altered over the last century and a half and discover the truth behind Redhill’s premise of hidden treasures buried under landfill.

Understand how and why an author uses archival resources in the development of a story, and the techniques required in building up a convincing picture of the past.

This program is designed for high school classes reading
Consolation , but can be adapted for university students and other groups interested in the background of this award winning novel.

The program is free and lasts for 1½ hours.  It can be adjusted to meet your class schedule or special needs. Advance booking is required.

The recommended size of groups is 30 or less.

Please contact the Archives at 416-392-0558 or at archives@toronto.ca to book a tour.

Program details are also available in a PDF format (PDF 139KB)

You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Viewer to view and print the PDF files.  

The photographs of Armstrong, Beere and Hime can be seen on our web exhibit, 'The Earliest Known Photographs of Toronto.'

Top Image: King Street East, south side looking west, 1856.
City of Toronto Archives Fonds 1498, item 1

Centre image: Plan of the City of Toronto [detail], 1857
City of Toronto Archives Series 88, File 13

Bottom image: York Street, looking north, 1856.
City of Toronto Archives Fonds 1498, item 16