The creator of some of Canada’s most significant memorial sculptures both at home and abroad has been officially named a person of national historic significance.

Walter Seymour Allward (1876-1955) was recognized during a ceremony on Saturday at Grace Anglican Church in Brantford. Across the street from the church, rain was pouring on one of Allward’s earliest and most significant works: The Bell Memorial.

“The Bell Memorial is one of his most noted artistic accomplishments,” said Richard Alway, chair of the committee that recommended the designation. “Today, we draw Walter Seymour Allward to the attention of all Canadians.”

The Toronto resident was the sculptor of many cenotaphs – including Brantford's – and war memorials across Canada and around the world, perhaps none more famous than the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France.

Because of the tie in with Alexander Graham Bell, the ceremony was held in conjunction with a weekend of Bell Homestead centennial celebrations.

“Before there was Allward of Vimy fame, there was Allward of Bell Memorial fame,” said Evan Habkirk, of the Bell Homestead.

Mayor Mike Hancock and MP Phil McColeman expressed pleasure that a historic plaque honouring Allward would be located in Brantford.

“We are deeply honoured to have such a wonderful monument in our city, by such a prolific sculptor,” Hancock said.

McColeman said called the Bell Memorial inspiring.

“This strikingly beautiful art-deco monument is as perfect a tribute to Dr. Bell as can be expressed in granite and bronze.”

Air Force officer Lt.-Col. Scott Allward, the sculptor's great grandson, attended the dedication ceremony.

“This is a privilege for our family,” he said. “All the work that (Walter) ever did was to make people remember a person, event or a loss. He accomplished that with the Bell Memorial.”

The commemorative plaque reads in part: “many of his works, including the Bell Memorial, combine expressive classical figures with dramatic settings. With his original sense of spatial composition, his mastery of classical form and his brilliant craftsmanship, Allward created works of enduring beauty.”

After an unveiling, the plaque was affixed to a post in front of the Bell Memorial.