An exquisite Chinese embroidered piano shawl from the early-1900s has found its way home to Casa Loma after nearly 75 years. The silk shawl, once used to drape Sir Henry Pellatt's concert grand piano, features an embroidered pink rose and vine pattern on an ecru ground. The shawl reflects the elegant and exotic tastes associated with Sir Henry and Lady Mary Pellatt.

Financial hardship forced Sir Henry to auction off the contents of his home and abandon Casa Loma after only ten years. The piano shawl was purchased at a recent auction by Jill Taylor of Taylor/Hazell Architects, the Heritage Consultants for the on-going multi-million dollar restoration of the exterior of Casa Loma and the Casa Loma Stables.
"I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to bring it home," says Taylor.

"We hope the acquisition of this shawl will act as a catalyst for other original artifacts being returned to Casa Loma," says Virginia Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of Casa Loma. "We encourage people to check their attics or basements - they may have a part
of Casa Loma's history."

Casa Loma was originally built between 1911 and 1914 by Sir Henry Pellatt, who was a prominent Toronto financier, industrialist and military officer. It took more 300 men and approximately $3.5 million to complete.


Contact:
Lou Seiler, Director of Marketing
Casa Loma
(416) 923-1171 ext. 212