Magic Lanterns

The Maritime Museum of BC proudly presents, CPR Magic Lantern Slides, 1885-1930 – November 11th, 2010 to March 20th, 2011

SS Scotia Atlin, BC - image permission granted by Michael Lawlor

In the wake of the Industrial Revolution came a new development of the middle-class – a caste that had money to spend and an eager desire to travel to other lands, particularly within the British Empire.

Canadian Pacific Rail met this desire and created luxury travel like non other. One could travel via train or steamship surrounded by pristine land- or seascapes, white cloth napkins, silver service and first-class amenities.

While destinations in Europe were very popular, Canada and its beautiful untamed wilderness became a draw for many travelers. CPR soon set up an office in a prominent downtown location in London, England to accommodate these new adventurers. With vigorous promotion they sold Canada both for travel and emigration. Publicity was everywhere; advertisements were placed in over 300 British and Continental Europe newspapers and journals (magazines). An all-British route to the Orient was a key aspect of this promotion as was big game hunting and fishing in Canada.

Throughout the latter part of the 19^th and early decades of the 20^th centuries, the eyes of the world were on Canada.  For tourists and new immigrants alike, the predominant image of Canada was of a vast land, with rugged geography, and full of untapped potential.  The Canadian Pacific Railways were instrumental in promoting these iconic Canadian scenes through a photographic effort that spanned over 50 years.  Photographs were printed on glass slides and shown around the world via a marvelous invention, the Magic Lantern.  

Vancouver artist Michael Lawlor, has amassed an impressive archive of CPR magic lantern slides. These depict the breadth of Canada, and chronicle the evolution of the nation, from frontier to industrial power.  Mr. Lawlor has spent countless hours repairing the flaws in these glass slides and then transferring the images onto high quality prints.

Michael Lawlor and Bill Jeffries, Director of the Simon Fraser University Gallery, have developed a selection of these beautiful CPR Magic Lantern images into a traveling exhibition that is currently touring Canada. The Maritime Museum of BC is honoured to be host to this exhibit of 50 framed prints and will be offering supporting display materials that broaden the railway focus to include CPR water transport and British Columbia scenes.