Adrien Dufresne

Adrien Dufresne (1904-1983) was a Canadian architect from Beauport, Quebec. He is primarily known for his impact on religious architecture in Canada during the 20th century.^[1]

Adrien Dufresne
Born	1904
Died	1983(1983-00-00) (aged 78–79) Beauport, Quebec
Alma mater	École des beaux-arts de Quebec
Occupation	Architect
Buildings	Notre-Dame-du-Cap Basilica

Biography

Adrien Dufresne studied at the École des beaux-arts de Montréal from 1924 to 1930.^[2] Many of the drawings created by Dufresne during his time at the school are stored within the Laval University.^[3] Dufresne was a close friend of Dom Paul Bellot, and was greatly influenced by his architectural style.^[4] He wrote to Bellot in the 1920s after reading about his work in various publications. At Dufresne's encouragement, Bellot travelled to Canada in 1937, where he influenced many local architects.^[5]

Dufresne designed several monuments, cathedrals and religious structures, including the Notre-Dame-du-Cap Basilica in Trois-Rivières, Quebec.^[6] He began work on the basilica in 1955, although the basilica was not opened until 1964.^[7]

Death and legacy

Dufresne spent much of his life in Beauport, Quebec City, where he died in 1983 in his family home. Adrien-Dufresne Boulevard in his home district of Beauport was named after him in 1992.^[8]