Hamilton, Ontario –

The Staircase Theatre

From electrical power to creative energy, The Staircase has had one of the more unusual second acts of any building in Hamilton.

Built in 1914 as a hydro transformer substation, the building spent more than 80 years supplying electrical power to west Hamilton.

Then, in 1997, Hugh MacLeod purchased the old industrial building and transformed it into something completely different: The Staircase Theatre, named after the distinctive cast-iron spiral staircase hidden inside.

A building once designed to distribute electricity had found a new way to generate energy.

About the Artwork

For this vintage-inspired illustration, I wanted to celebrate both sides of The Staircase: its industrial past and its creative second life.

The dark brick façade immediately feels like Hamilton. Look closer and you begin to notice the unusual brick patterns, large industrial windows and architectural details that reveal the building's original purpose.

Surrounded by residential neighbours, it feels wonderfully out of place, and that's part of what makes it so interesting.

Inside, the contrast becomes even greater.

Over the years, The Staircase has welcomed an incredibly diverse mix of creative expression, including film, theatre, improv, stand-up comedy, music, dance, poetry and visual arts. An old hydro substation became a place where people could perform, experiment, laugh, create and occasionally get a little weird.

I love buildings that find unexpected second lives, especially when their original character isn't erased in the process.

And there’s a little detail hidden in the illustration for anyone who knows the place.

Look closely through the window and you'll find the iconic spiral staircase peeking back at you.

This piece is my tribute to a wonderfully unusual Hamilton building and the creative community that gave it a completely new kind of power.

Same building. Different energy.

Art Print Details

Prints are sold unframed.

11" × 14" Art Print

Printed on 100 lb matte cover stock with a 0.5" white border, ready for framing.

16" × 20" Art Print

Printed on smooth 8 pt C2S stock with a matte finish.

Choose between:

• 2" white border for a more traditional, gallery-style framed presentation
• 0.5" white border for a larger artwork area

Limited Edition Fine Art Print

Available in 16" × 20"

For collectors, a limited edition of just 15 signed and individually numbered prints is available.

Each limited edition is printed on premium 300–320 gsm fine art paper, made from acid-free, 100% cotton rag with a beautiful matte finish.

Limited editions include a 2" white border and are personally signed and numbered.

Only 15 available in this limited-edition run. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.

Canadian Shipping

Prints that are not currently in stock are produced to order. Please allow approximately 10–15 days for printing and delivery within Canada.