Patrick Burns, Cattleman (1856-1937)

David Garneau

Dressed in business attire, this solid figure projects confidence and power with his firm stance, arms akimbo and upward gaze.

About this work

Patrick Burns was enormously influential in Western Canada. In 1896, he was the first man to transport livestock on the newly completed Canadian Pacific Railway. His entrepreneurial acumen in all sectors of the beef industry made him wealthy. Burns was also an Alberta senator and one of the Big Four who founded the Calgary Stampede in 1912. Created by prominent Métis artist David Garneau, a well-known contemporary artist, curator, writer, and professor, this ceramic sculpture is part of a series of five figures representing Alberta's past. In 1984 when he was commissioned to create sculptures of historic Calgarians to commemorate Calgary's 100th birthday, he was a 22 year-old student. At the time he was greatly influenced by the small-scale character studies in ceramic by Saskatchewan artist Joe Fafard.

Details

Title: Patrick Burns, Cattleman (1856-1937)
Type: Sculpture
Creator: David Garneau

Location & access

Municipal Building, Atrium

800 Macleod Trail SE

Calgary, Alberta, CA T2G 2M1

Publicly accessible

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Hours are subject to change for events or maintenance — please check on-site signage for the most up-to-date information.

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Last updated March 20, 2026