Calgary Stampede: Archival Restoration

More restoration work, this time with the Calgary Stampede.

The process of archival restoration and colouring is a skill I've been focusing on a lot recently. My last documentary required a lot of it - and often with such limited material, it becomes essential to get the most out of what is available.

These images from the Calgary Stampede I've been working on range from the 1910s to the 1950s. I love the aesthetic after colouring. I'm taking my inspiration from vintage lithograph postcards. Here are a few highlights from these works in progress so far.

Archival Restorations: Calgary Tower

The Calgary Tower opened its doors on June 30, 1968 (as the Husky Tower) and was the tallest structure in Canada outside of Toronto. The Calgary skyline has changed a bit since then, but what better time to restore and colourize a few archival images and vintage ads.

Check out the sweet button I found at the thrift shop too!

Calgary Tower in Calgary, Alberta

The Calgary Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Calgary, Alberta, and a symbol of the city's modern skyline. Standing at 190.8 meters (626 feet) tall, the tower was originally completed in 1968 as part of Calgary’s centennial celebrations and was known as the Husky Tower. It was renamed the Calgary Tower in 1971, shortly after its ownership was transferred to the City of Calgary and Canadian Pacific.

Designed by architect W.G. Milne, the tower was the tallest structure in Calgary at the time of its construction. It was built to promote urban renewal and to demonstrate Calgary’s economic growth and potential. The tower's construction involved a unique slip-form method, where concrete was continuously poured to build the structure in a single, uninterrupted process—a technique that was innovative for the time.

Today, the Calgary Tower offers visitors panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Rocky Mountains from its observation deck. One of the most popular features is the glass floor, allowing guests to look straight down onto the streets below. The tower also features a revolving restaurant, Sky 360, which completes a full rotation every 45 minutes, offering a unique dining experience with ever-changing views.

In addition to being a major tourist attraction, the Calgary Tower also plays a role in city events and celebrations - including as the location of the cauldron for the 1988 Winter Olympics. It is frequently lit up in different colors to commemorate holidays, raise awareness for causes, or mark special occasions. Whether viewed from below or experienced from the top, the Calgary Tower remains a proud emblem of Calgary’s heritage and progress.

LED lights on the Calgary Tower.

Looking down from the glass floor of the Calgary Tower.

You can see the Olympic cauldron on the very top of the Calgary Tower.

Looking down at the Palliser Hotel in downtown Calgary.

Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary.