Profile: Lapel Pins – 1984 Canadian Figure Skating Championships, Regina, Canada

Figure skating pin collectors usually could always count on events held in Canada to be commemorated with at least one lapel pin, often being unique in some way—whether in design, shape, size, or a combination of these attributes. The pins made for the 1984 Canadian Figure Skating Championships, held in Regina, Saskatchewan, fall squarely into the “shape” category, although the shape is anything but square. Less effective is the design of the 1984 Canadians pins, which is more ordinary than unique.

The underlying triangle shape of the pin is a refreshing change from the typical circle or rectangle. The main logo pin is done in red and blue, with a pair of skaters as the focal point. With their movements in perfect unison, the pair creates both motion and excitement, and the head and torso of the male skater form a cut-out effect along the edge of the pin. To the left of the skaters is the event location: “Regina”; and just below are the event name and year: “Canadians ’84.” The vivid blue background contrasts well with the red, particularly where the maple leaf decorates the lower right-hand corner. A thin border in red frames the pin. On a gold-color base metal, the irregularly shaped pin measures approximately 1″ x 7/8″ (2.5 cm x 2.2 cm).

The underlying triangle shape of the 1984 Canadian Figure Skating Championships pin is a refreshing change from the typical circle or rectangle.

Also commemorating the event were at least two different special-issue pins—one for a competitor and one for an event sponsor. These pins would have been made in limited quantity and distributed selectively. Each incorporates the overall main logo pin set into a larger, gold-color base that features a laurel leaf design along the right edge. At the bottom of the pin is the designation in red lettering surrounded by a slightly textured background. Shown in the gallery are:

• “Competitor”
• “Sponsor”

Of note is that the competitor pin comes from the avant-garde and creative Canadian skater Gary Beacom, who placed second overall at this event. The Curator of The Netropolitan Museum of Figure Skating Pins acquired the competitor pin directly from Mr. Beacom in 2014. Each of the special-issue pins measures approximately 1‑3/16″ x 1‑1/4″ (3 cm x 3.2 cm).

Enjoy this week’s figure skating pins blog: 1984 Canadian Figure Skating Championships Pins: Shape Shifting. And be sure to read the museum story for more information about figure skating pins.

Pins Gallery: 1984 Canadian Figure Skating Championships

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