Lyle Longstaff is almost 80 years old, and still loves to paint heritage buildings. Born in New Westminster, he was a home builder for many years, and appreciates the rich character of heritage structures. “I hate to see the old architecture destroyed. I once lived in a house that was over 100 years old…the wood in it was close-grained fir that you can not get today. Beautiful!!” As you can see in the painting of Dixon House (restored by the Langley Heritage Society, video HERE), he has a warm and engaging style. Lyle is also drawn to trains, “I grew up in the era of steam trains, and that is my real love. I paint the new locomotives because that is what people want.” He painted the scene below at Fort Langley’s Heritage CN Station, operated by the Langley Heritage Society.
Remarkably, Lyle only started painting about 14 years ago. We thank him for sharing these images, each with a direct connection to the Langley Heritage Society.
Above: Hassall House in Glen Valley. Langley Heritage Society assisted with its restoration.
Above: 1915 Fort Langley CN Station. Open for the new season beginning on Victoria Day. More of Lyle’s work can be found HERE.
One last look. Please visit us beginning on Victoria Day Weekend. We’re open until Thanksgiving. Volunteer information HERE: