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- Limited Edition Giclee Canvas
- Image Size: 32" x 20"
- Edition Size: 95 S/N
Keyword: Local, Trolley, Street Car, Barn, Child
This Limited Edition Canvas painted by Brian Croft, brings us back to the simpler days of the lower mainland, Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
The first six brand new streetcars began operations on June 27, 1890. The first streetcar lines were installed and operated by fledgling companies, which were formed in rapid succession during the difficult early start-up years. First the Vancouver Street Railway Co, then the Vancouver Electric Railway and Light Co, New Westminster service was started by the Westminster & Vancouver Tramway Company and eventually Consolidated Railway and Light Company took over the combined financially troubled operations. New capital was eventually organized with the formation of the BCER Co. in 1897. Under the able leadership of Robert Horne-Payne the newly formed BCER began to flourish marking the beginning of what was to be a new and long era of success.
The original electric streetcar barn was located on Barnard (Union) just west of Westminster Avenue (Main) on the north side of False Creek. The Barn accommodated eight streetcars, which entered and exited the through four arched wooden bay doors, which faced south. Immediately west of the barn was the Power Plant. Cordwood and later coal was used to raise steam that generated the electricity to drive the cars. Electricity was also sold. Shortly after commencing streetcar service the company introduced arc lamps in Vancouver.
In my painting “The Old Street Car Barn – 1894” I wanted to capture the late-evening activities as the streetcars are returned to the “barn” after a busy day’s work and so I placed the sun low on the western horizon and used deepening values to create the mood. Soon, the lighting will reverse completely as the new-fangled electric lights, already beginning to gleam inside the barn, replace the glare of the retiring sun.
The crews have opened all the doors and one-by-one the cars are being carefully parked for the night. Streetcar no. 12 has just left the mainline on Westminster Avenue (Main) and is being carefully guided into the barn by its conductor. The lettering on the side of the car reflects the recent change over from “Vancouver Street Railway Co.” to “Vancouver Electric Railway and Light Co. Ltd.” A young boy and girl who can scarcely imagine where the future will lead watch in fascination, witnesses to a wondrous moment of change in Vancouver
Brian Croft
Willowbrook Art Gallery specializes in a large selection of limited edition prints and posters along with gift items as Franz Porcelain and Bradford Exchange. We offer the highest quality of custom framing in the Vancouver region, all of it done in house at our Langley location.
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