Deposited objects do not belong to the museum, but are entrusted by their owner to the museum so that they can be better preserved. This practice seeks to temporarily protect the objects and artwork, and often leads to an official donation.

Saint-Laurent Parish: Religious Heritage

In these times of secularization, many religious objects are sold or disappear without a trace. Distraught by this fate, founder Gérard Lavallée convinced the authorities of the Saint-Laurent parish to deposit their 18th and 19th century treasures at the museum. The Musée des maîtres et artisans du Québec now conserves admirable pieces of silverwork for the most part, trademarked by Salomon Marion.

SALOMON MARION (1782-1830)
Aspersorium and aspergil
1826
Silver
19.5 x 18 cm, 24.5 x 5.6 cm
Saint-Laurent parish collection
Musée des maîtres et artisans du Québec, SL 15.1, SL 15.2

Apprenticed at age 16 to Pierre Huguet dit Latour senior, Salomon Marion (1782-1830) was already a master silversmith by the age of 21. He moved to Saint-Sacrement Street in Montreal, where he produced trade silver before heading up to his old master's workshop. In 1816, he set up shop on his own. Marion advertised that he would produce "tableware in the latest style, jewellery, gilding, engravings and an infinite variety of other items." A number of parishes, including Saint-Laurent, commissioned him to put his talents to work for them.

Théâtre du Nouveau Monde: Alfred Pellan Costumes

In 1946, Father Émile Legault asked Alfred Pellan to conceive and create the costumes and decor for Shakespeare's The Twelfth Night, directed by his theatre troupe Les Compagnons de Saint-Laurent. The museum possesses 19 pieces from the costumes made at the time.

Again in 1968, Jean-Louis Roux, who participated in the production of 1946 and who headed the TNM, asked Alfred Pellan to re-create the costumes and decor with the assistance of professionals. The results were breathtaking and since 2005, all of these complete costumes are on deposit at the museum.