Capturing the Last Call: A Photographer's Race to Preserve Alberta's Vanishing Hotel Bar Heritage

In the heart of Alberta, where history whispers from every brick and beam, a poignant race against time is underway. Photographer Jamie B. Corfield has embarked on a deeply personal and culturally significant mission: to document and preserve the soulful essence of the province's historic hotel bars before they fade into memory.

His ongoing 'Alberta Hotel Project,' launched in 2017, isn't just about taking pictures; it's about safeguarding stories, communities, and a unique architectural legacy.

Corfield, based in Edmonton, finds himself drawn to the enduring charm of these establishments. Many of these bars, often tucked away in grand old hotels, have served generations as gathering places, confidantes, and unwitting keepers of countless conversations.

From the worn polished wood of the bar tops to the faded intricate wallpaper, each detail tells a tale of bygone eras, local legends, and the quiet resilience of a community hub.

The urgency of Corfield's project is palpable. Across Alberta, many of these iconic watering holes are facing closure, renovation, or demolition.

As the urban landscape evolves, the unique character and historical significance of these venues are increasingly at risk. Corfield's lens captures not just the physical space but the very atmosphere – the dim lighting, the reflections in the mirrors, the empty stools awaiting new patrons, or perhaps, remembering old ones.

His photographic approach is meticulous, focusing on the architectural integrity and the tangible sense of history that pervades these spaces.

He seeks out the perfect light to highlight the intricate details that often go unnoticed: the ornate ceilings, the classic bar stools, the vintage signage. Each photograph is a careful composition, designed to evoke the nostalgia and the unique spirit that makes each bar a local treasure.

Through the 'Alberta Hotel Project,' Jamie B.

Corfield is creating more than just a collection of images; he is building an invaluable archive. This visual testament ensures that even if the physical structures disappear, the memory of these beloved institutions and the role they played in Alberta's social fabric will endure. It's a powerful reminder that some of the most profound history isn't found in museums, but in the everyday places where life unfolds, one drink, and one story, at a time.