For more than 50 years, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) made magic lantern slides –photographs or illustrations on glass plates.
The public has a chance to see these artistic creations from Sept. 10 to Nov. 6 in the Stewart Hall at the Historic Stewart Farm, 13723 Crescent Rd.
The glass plates were placed in a slide projector and were used for lectures presented around the world to promote immigration and tourism to Canada.
The beautiful imagery depicts a Canada full of promise, a bountiful land providing opportunities for grain, cattle, hog, sheep, vegetable, fruit, berry and hops farming.
They reflect the changes in labour, mechanization and technology during this time period. These colour-tinted black-and-white images reflect a significant historical era gone by. Photographer, artist and collector Michael Lawlor has digitized and enlarged the images to a scale that gives the viewer a rare opportunity to “walk in” fields, farms, processing plants, towns and villages to get an extraordinary feel for the landscape.
The exhibit will also feature a unique collection of magic lantern projectors and slide sets used for children’s stories, Sunday church sermons, in town halls, for entertainment and as a visual instructional tool.
Among the events are:
• The Transcontinental Magic Lantern Show: Trip the light fantastic with photographer and collector Michael Lawlor on Sept. 22 from 7-8:30 p.m. as he presents a show and talk on the history of magic lantern imagery from 1885-1930. The fee is $10 (all ages). Pre-register at 604-592-6956.
• Zany Zoetropes: On Oct. 1 from 1:30-3 p.m., kids will learn more about this early animation, cartoon-in-motion device and make their own to take home. The fee is $10/child seven-11 years. Pre-register at 604-592-6956.
The exhibit is open Saturdays and Sundays until Nov. 6 from 12-4 p.m. Tours can be booked for Fridays or by appointment. Entrance is by donation.
For more information call 604-592-6956 or visit www.surrey.ca/heritage