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Lion's Gate Bridge Crossing The First Narrows, Vancouver, Canada

Lion's Gate Bridge Crossing The First Narrows, Vancouver, Canada

In 1937-8 the Guinness estate built of the Lion's Gate Bridge, linking Vancouver itself to the North Shore communities of North and West Vancouver, allowing them to develop their extensive land holdings on the north side of the Burrard Inlet. The First Narrows, over which this suspension bridge passes, is the main entrance into Vancouver Harbour and required the bridge to be built with a 60m clearance below. The narrows to enter the harbour is a mere 222m wide and suffers a very strong tidal flow. The bridge was a toll bridge until 1963. Its original 2 lane nature was widened to three reversible lanes in the first years of the 21st century, the first time the complete deck of such a suspension bridge was replaced.

Chris Langley

Image size: 3000 x 4000, 8.05Mb | Camera details: Canon PowerShot G9 | Date uploaded: 01/07/2018

Chris Langley | Lion's Gate Bridge Crossing The First Narrows, Vancouver, Canada

Available as:

Canvas

Designed to cover a large amount of wall space, canvas prints are ideal for big rooms. We only use 100% cotton canvas with a thickness of 340GSM. We do not use cheap synthetic fiber alternatives. All dimensions for canvas products are in inches,

Prints from: (Satin photo paper is standard)

We print with a 12 colour process, this means we can print a much larger colour range than most printing companies that normally use a 4 or 8 colour process. All sizes for our satin paper prints are in inches.

Coaster - Round

High quality, cork backed, gloss finish on the front - appx 9.5cm diameter.

Coaster - Square

Square (with rounded edges) High quality, cork backed, gloss finish on the front. Size - appx 9.5cm.

Mouse mat

6mm foam backed - printable are appx 24cm X 19cm. We need appx 3mm bleed for these.

Mug - Ceramic

A white, 10oz ceramic mug with a maximum printable area of 9cm high by 18cm wide

Mug - Mighty

A 'proper mug' - 15 oz of pure indulgence, maximum print area 9cm high by 18cm wide.

Mug - Porcelain

A white 8 oz mug, altogether more 'dainty', maximum print area of 9cm high by 17cm wide

Recent Works by Chris Langley

Chris Langley | A pair of Northern Flickers

A pair of Northern Flickers

A mated pair of Northern Flickers, a western Canadian woodpecker type, rarely settle together close enough for a pair image. This pair sat for about 5 minutes, long enough for me to fetch my camera and say smile.

Chris Langley | Sunset at Cannon Beach

Sunset at Cannon Beach

Photographed on a very quiet beach in Oregon one September evening. You could cut the atmosphere with a knife. Crisp, clean and the gentle lapping sounds of waves

Chris Langley | The old Staircase - artistic impression

The old Staircase - artistic impression

This painted rendering is of the beautiful old wooden staircase built in 1912 on the oceanfront mansion known as Brock House in Vancouver. Used for decades as a residence by several families it has changed use a few times more recently, having become a police headquarters and these days is a senior's community centre, and used for weddings and small conferences. The design, by McClure, a respected architect in 1911 is quite timeless yet speaks of its age. The house is a formal Tudor design.

Chris Langley | Roof Cornice - Chinese Buddhist Temple

Roof Cornice - Chinese Buddhist Temple

The Chinese International Buddhist Temple in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada is a magnificent complex of traditionally crafted edifices and spaces The roof corner details are reminiscent of a time centuries ago.

Chris Langley | Lion dogs guarding Buddhist temple entrance

Lion dogs guarding Buddhist temple entrance

Found at the spectacular International Chinese Buddhist temple in Richmond, British Columbia, these bronze temple guardians always gather in pairs at the entrance and at changes of enclosure in the temple complex .

Chris Langley | Princess Flower - Tibouchina Urvilleana

Princess Flower - Tibouchina Urvilleana

A floral blessing

Chris Langley | The Rose Arbor - Stanley Park, Vancouver

The Rose Arbor - Stanley Park, Vancouver

The Rose Gardens in Stanley Park, Vancouver, most of which is naturally forested, are a very colourful, manicured little bit of urban tranquility.

Chris Langley | Frame & Brick homes in Turville, Oxfordshire

Frame & Brick homes in Turville, Oxfordshire

These centuries old frame built homes, infilled with brick, create a picturesque old world impression

Chris Langley | Homeyard Wall

Homeyard Wall

A farm homeyard wall with heritage farming bric-a-brac in the Chilterns.

Chris Langley | Evening Light - Mill on the Hill

Evening Light - Mill on the Hill

Glancing up from an evening walk in Oxfordshire I saw this windmill high up across fenced fields, positioned on the crest of the hill

Chris Langley | Sunset along the fenceline

Sunset along the fenceline

An evening walk across the fields in rural Oxfordshire brought me to this

Chris Langley | Shannon Falls, British Columbia, Canada

Shannon Falls, British Columbia, Canada

The total height of Shannon Falls is 335 metres ( 1,105 ft), the 3rd highest falls in British Columbia, tumbling out of the mountains south of Squamish into the depths of Howe Sound, a major coastal ford. This image shows only the middle 1/3 of the falls, itself higher than Niagara Falls in Ontario, which are only 99 metres high (324 ft).

Chris Langley | Brandywine Falls with spray rainbow, near Whistler, British Columbia

Brandywine Falls with spray rainbow, near Whistler, British Columbia

The 66 metre tall (216 feet) Brandywine Falls is a half hour hike in from the road, not far from Whistler BC. It is one of the taller falls in British Columbia and can vary considerably in flow depending on the time of year. In the Spring it is a considerable torrent. This late summer image is more sedate.

Chris Langley | Canadian Coast Guard passing review

Canadian Coast Guard passing review

The Canadian Coastguard cutter Cape Dauphin, operating in Prince Rupert harbour, British Columbia, passing the seagull review. Prince Rupert Harbour is by far the deepest natural harbour in North America and can cater to all of even the biggest ships on the Pacific trade routes.

Chris Langley | Old Salmon Boat 3 - Port Edward, British Columbia

Old Salmon Boat 3 - Port Edward, British Columbia

Port Edward on the NW coast of British Columbia, just south of Prince Rupert, is the site of the old north pacific cannery where for decades many of the salmon caught and canned for sale around the world were caught, landed and processed. The old cannery is no longer in use and much of the operational gear is slowly fading away. There are several of the old salmon boats used for landing the catches remaining, in various states of decay, subject to the weather and rot. Their life is done and now they bring back only memories.

Chris Langley | Old Salmon Boat 2 - Port Edward, British Columbia

Old Salmon Boat 2 - Port Edward, British Columbia

Port Edward on the NW coast of British Columbia, just south of Prince Rupert, is the site of the old north pacific cannery where for decades many of the salmon caught and canned for sale around the world were caught, landed and processed. The old cannery is no longer in use and much of the operational gear is slowly fading away. There are several of the old salmon boats used for landing the catches remaining, in various states of decay, subject to the weather and rot. Their life is done and now they bring back only memories.

Chris Langley | Port Edward, British Columbia - Nature Reclaims

Port Edward, British Columbia - Nature Reclaims

At Port Edward on the isolated NW coast of British Columbia, nature is reclaiming the ruins of an old landing wharf at the North Pacific cannery, near Prince Rupert. The incessant rain on this coast simply rots wood and provides a fertile place for trees to sprout, mosses to generate and timber to decay

Chris Langley | Stellar's Jay in Late Afternoon - NW British Columbia

Stellar's Jay in Late Afternoon - NW British Columbia

Stellar's Jays are found in many locations in British Columbia, though are not common. Those in the south seem much darker than those in the north, a large, active and very noisy bird.

Chris Langley | Old Salmon Boat 1 - Port Edward, British Columbia

Old Salmon Boat 1 - Port Edward, British Columbia

Port Edward on the NW coast of British Columbia, just south of Prince Rupert, is the site of the old north pacific cannery where for decades many of the salmon caught and canned for sale around the world were caught, landed and processed. The old cannery is no longer in use and much of the operational gear is slowly fading away. There are several of the old salmon boats used for landing the catches remaining, in various states of decay, subject to the weather and rot. Their life is done and now they bring back only memories.

Chris Langley | Bulkley River gorge, near Hazleton, BC, Canada

Bulkley River gorge, near Hazleton, BC, Canada

The Bulkley River is a fast flowing major river in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia which joins the Skeena River near at K'san near Hazelton in NW British Columbia. These rivers are two of the largest salmon rivers in existence and serve a vast area between them.

Chris Langley | Old log barn, 108 Mile House, Cariboo, British Columbia, Canada

Old log barn, 108 Mile House, Cariboo, British Columbia, Canada

The old Cariboo wagon road through central and northern British Columbia has many way-stations, long defunct with the advent of rail and motorised traffic, but these former hubs remain, showing bits of their history in the remaining buildings.

Chris Langley | Provincial Police Station, built 1914, 108 Mile House, Cariboo, British Columbia, Canada.

Provincial Police Station, built 1914, 108 Mile House, Cariboo, British Columbia, Canada.

The old Cariboo wagon road through central and northern British Columbia has many way-stations, long defunct with the advent of rail and motorised traffic, but these former hubs remain, showing bits of their history in the remaining buildings.

Chris Langley | The Skeena River in northwestern British Columbia, Canada

The Skeena River in northwestern British Columbia, Canada

The Skeena and Bulkley Rivers merge in northern British Columbia in the Coast Mountain Range to form the seaward side of the Skeena, which then emerges tothe west into the islands and ocean just south of Prince Rupert. This vast and isolated area is not densely populated and has a long history of occupation by the native peoples (First Nations). The Skeena and Bulkley Rivers are prime salmon rivers and the native fishery is prominent here.

Chris Langley | K'san village of the Gitxsan Nation, northwestern British Columbia

K'san village of the Gitxsan Nation, northwestern British Columbia

'Ksan is a living historical village of the Gitxsan Indigenous people in the Skeena Country of Northwestern British Columbia, Canada. Located near Hazelton at the confluence of the Skeena and Bulkley Rivers on Gitxsan territory, Ksan Village stands where the village of Gitanmaax has existed for centuries and the site is known to have been occupied for more than 5,500 years. The Gitxsan people maintain K'san to show how their community grew from tradition to today.

Chris Langley | De Havilland Sea Vixen - Sketch

De Havilland Sea Vixen - Sketch

The de Havilland DH.110 Sea Vixen was a British twin-engine, twin boom tailed, two-seat, carrier-based fleet air-defence fighter flown by the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm during the 1950s into the early 1970s. Only one flying example remains. This sketch has been made from a historical image in my collection.

Chris Langley | Clément-Bayard Biplane 1912 - Sketch

Clément-Bayard Biplane 1912 - Sketch

The Clément-Bayard Biplane 1912 was built by the French motor car company Clément-Bayard. It was proposed as an observation aircraft and was powered by a 80 hp Gnome engine. No orders were place for the aircraft and only the one example was built. This sketch is made from a photo in my heritage aircraft collection.

Chris Langley | British Columbia Streetcar 1223

British Columbia Streetcar 1223

The British Columbia Electric Railway operated several lines for streetcars on various routes running out from Vancouver as far as the Fraser Valley. They were more commonly calledinterurbans. They ceased service totally in 1958 and today only a small number of these old cars remain in existence. Some have been restored. This image of car 1223, built in 1913, ran out through Burnaby and was photographed from the street during removal from its restoration site to its new home.

Chris Langley | Blended materials, Pishill, Oxfordshire

Blended materials, Pishill, Oxfordshire

A beautiful cluster of buildings using an interesting blend of locally common materials, brick, flint, boarding with slate, tile and thatch for roofing

Chris Langley | Sunny Golden Susans

Sunny Golden Susans

An intriguing variation on Black Eyed Susans basking in the sunshine in Vancouver

Chris Langley | American Widgeon - Mareca americana

American Widgeon - Mareca americana

Found from Alaska through western Canada and down into California, also found in Hawaii. Likes ponds in marshy ground

Chris Langley | Winter trees along the river bank

Winter trees along the river bank

Situated on the north levée of the north arm of the mighty Fraser River in Vancouver, Canada, these trees form a stark contrast to the piercingly blue sky on the first day of Spring.

Chris Langley | Log Boom Barge

Log Boom Barge

Here we have a log boom barge working the booming pens along the north arm of the mighty Fraser River, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The logs are floated the coast down in big rafts and then moored in the booming pens in the river and moved as needed into the sawmills along the river's edge

Chris Langley | Down the Fraser to Vancouver Island

Down the Fraser to Vancouver Island

Looking downriver on the mighty Fraser River towards the Salish Sea, the mountains of Vancouver Island in the distance

Chris Langley | First Day of Spring - Flowering Trees

First Day of Spring - Flowering Trees

Suddenly the world is coming alive again on the first day of Spring. Flowering trees are opening their blossoms.

Chris Langley | Lincoln Castle - Medieval Gatehouse Window

Lincoln Castle - Medieval Gatehouse Window

Built high into the massive gatehouse walls long in 1849, this beautiful medieval oriel window looks down into the entry courtyard inside the castle gates. It was placed here after being removed from John of Gaunt's Palace in Lincoln in order to preserve it's singular beauty.

Chris Langley | Lincoln Cathedral in snow (watercolour)

Lincoln Cathedral in snow (watercolour)

This image created years ago has been rendered here as a watercolour. The view is from Eastgate, overlooking the statue of Alfred, Lord Tennyson. The Cathedral in snow is not a common sight and this day many folks were lined up to take photographs. I differentiated this shot as a watercolour to provide an image option.

Chris Langley | Lincoln Cathedral and Exchequergate from Castle Square

Lincoln Cathedral and Exchequergate from Castle Square

The busy gathering place of Castle Square, Lincoln. To get here you may have climbed the well-named Steep Hill to rise from the medieval city centre, a chance to pause, to admire the castle, Exchequergate and beyond it the west front pair and central tower of Lincoln's truly magnificent Cathedral. The Magna Carta hostelry and other locations in the square serve liquid and solid refreshments, especially nice on a hot day

Chris Langley | Lincoln Cathedral West Front under floodlights

Lincoln Cathedral West Front under floodlights

It is worth capturing a partial image of the magnificent west front of Lincoln Cathedral, as seen from Exchequergate, especially floodlit at night, making the large variety of carved surfaces more readable. Much of this detail gets lost in wide angle daylight views.

Chris Langley | Lincoln Cathedral, roof of the transept crossing the nave

Lincoln Cathedral, roof of the transept crossing the nave

The centre of Lincoln Cathedral is perhaps best recognised as the place where the nave and the transept cross one another. Above you is the mass of the high and massive central tower, its weight ingeniously supported by vaulted columns on the four corners. The roof lies high above the floor, under the tower, and it is hard to crank one's head into position for long to enjoy its splendor, Enter the magic of the camera!

Chris Langley | The Bishop's Eye, Lincoln Cathedral

The Bishop's Eye, Lincoln Cathedral

The huge and delicate round window in the south transept, known affectionately as The Bishop's Eye, can be clearly seen from across the city because of its size, but to be fully appreciated it must be seen from the inside of the transept. Not only is the glass work remarkable but attention should be paid to the delicately carved stonework which provides a structural mesh supporting this very special window.

Chris Langley | Al Fresco in Brixton

Al Fresco in Brixton

Fine Dining layout in the market streets of Brixton

Chris Langley | Baskets on the Street in Brixton

Baskets on the Street in Brixton

Colourful baskets, cloth and bric-a-brac in street market in Brixton

Chris Langley | Vancouver Sidewalk Inset - People of the Salmon

Vancouver Sidewalk Inset - People of the Salmon

The influence of native people (first nations) grows in Vancouver and their art work is seen more and more in the fabric of the city. The native family names come from the wildlife

Chris Langley | Cates Reach, Indian Arm, North Vancouver from Burnaby Mountain

Cates Reach, Indian Arm, North Vancouver from Burnaby Mountain

The fjord running inland from Vancouver, known as Indian Arm, presents some wonderful scenery from the water and from the heights well above it. Vancouver Harbour reaches well into Indian arm and substantial ships take moorage there. A lifting bridge at Second Narrows facilitates access.

Chris Langley | Lake at Nitobe Memorial Japanese Garden, Vancouver

Lake at Nitobe Memorial Japanese Garden, Vancouver

The Nitobe Memorial Japanese Garden at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver is an exceptionally peaceful place in a busy location, very layered with iconic features, water courses, falling water, pathways, bridges, islands, a traditional Tea House used for special occasions and plantings of exotic greenery often found in Japan.

Chris Langley | Looking towards Golden Ears From the Fraser Valley, British Columbia

Looking towards Golden Ears From the Fraser Valley, British Columbia

There are many wonderful walks on the norther perimeter of the Fraser Valley east of Vancouver, looking up into the snow covered mountains in Springtime. Sometimes the valley itself is snowbound making walking the banks of the secondary rivers flowing into the mighty Fraser heavy going.

Chris Langley | G-AEDO Flying British Skies

G-AEDO Flying British Skies

This is a fully digitally restored image from an old photograph in my collection of an aircraft from the 1930's

Chris Langley | Main Library and Campanile, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

Main Library and Campanile, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

Only the old central block of the original Gothic styled Library at the University of British Columbia remains in the 21st century, the two old stone wings having been demolished and replaced with modern facilities designed by Arthur Erickson, along with further extensions. The Campanile was retained and houses a wonderful carillon. UBC is known as much for its outdoor spaces as its buildings.

Chris Langley | Silk Flower Memorial

Silk Flower Memorial

This silk flower was found entwined around the frame and slats of a bench on a river bank in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada. This is a common finding where family members of a deceased person will go to a favourite sitting place of their loved one and leave a memorial flower there in their honour. Sometimes real flowers are left, sometimes silk flowers. The silk ones last a little longer.

Chris Langley | Skåne-style Thatch at Alunbruket, Sweden #2

Skåne-style Thatch at Alunbruket, Sweden #2

The style of thatch capping typical of Skåne, Sweden over board and batten finished house

Chris Langley | Cottages at Alunbruket, Skåne, Sweden

Cottages at Alunbruket, Skåne, Sweden

The garden surrounded thatched cottages at Alunbruket in Skåne, Sweden are a reminder of much simpler times.

Chris Langley | The Fjellström Home Farm

The Fjellström Home Farm

This assembly of buildings clustered together is typical in colour and style of rural home and farm buildings right across Sweden. This one is at Norrboda, on the island of Öland off Sweden's east coast.

Chris Langley | Chicory (Cichorium)

Chicory (Cichorium)

Photographed growing wild on the Swedish island of Öland

Chris Langley | Skåne-style Thatch at Alunbruket, Sweden #1

Skåne-style Thatch at Alunbruket, Sweden #1

The style of thatch capping typical of Skåne, Sweden over an ochre rendered timber frame house

Chris Langley | Edge of Fraser River Delta

Edge of Fraser River Delta

The mighty Fraser River in British Columbia spills out into the Salish Sea, through the large delta it has created, at the old fishing community of Steveston. Here, looking north, one can see the North Shore Mountains.

Chris Langley | Ocean Tug Ku'ulahkai

Ocean Tug Ku'ulahkai

The oldest operable ocean tug on the west coast of Canada, Ku'ulahkai was built in 1944. She now resides in Steveston, British Columbia, at the mouth of the Fraser River delta.

Chris Langley | Steveston and Mount Baker

Steveston and Mount Baker

The delta harbor of Steveston, British Columbia, Canada has as a backdrop the enormous active volcano, Mt Baker, in adjacent Washington State, USA. The size of the volcano can be assessed by the fact that it is about 80 km from Steveston.

Chris Langley | Fisherman's Memorial, Steveston, British Columbia, Canada

Fisherman's Memorial, Steveston, British Columbia, Canada

The Pacific fishing fleet, largely based in Steveston on the Fraser River delta, has suffered many losses over the years of the boats and men who fish these wild and vengeful waters. The memorial in Steveston bears all their names.

Chris Langley | Les Colombes - Origami Peace Doves - Salisbury Cathedral

Les Colombes - Origami Peace Doves - Salisbury Cathedral

Installation of many hundred of origami doves in the nave of Salisbury Cathedral

Chris Langley | Salisbury Cathedral and the Close in Spring

Salisbury Cathedral and the Close in Spring

The enigmatic view of Salisbury Cathedral as seen from the Close , here in the fresh greens of early Spring

Chris Langley | Cotswold Tithe Barn - 15th Century

Cotswold Tithe Barn - 15th Century

Historical Cotswold stone tithe barn is about the same size as a Church on the outside and has that same feeling inside, with massive timbers supporting the roof.

Chris Langley | Les Colombes - Origami Peace Doves in Salisbury Nave

Les Colombes - Origami Peace Doves in Salisbury Nave

Hundreds of paper doves were suspended from the roof of the nave in Salisbury Cathedral

Chris Langley | Locarno Beach Lifeguard, Vancouver

Locarno Beach Lifeguard, Vancouver

The entire north shore of Point Grey in Vancouver is given over to beaches overlooking English Bay and the North Shore Mountains. Each beach area has its own name and each beach area has its own lifeguard station

Chris Langley | A Confused Brick Portal, Copenhagen, Denmark

A Confused Brick Portal, Copenhagen, Denmark

The builders of this 1700s brick façade seem to have been uncertain as to where they wanted their windows

Chris Langley | 1700's Water Mill at Börringe Kloster, Skåne, Sweden

1700's Water Mill at Börringe Kloster, Skåne, Sweden

This old water mill is built in a manner distinctive to Skåne, using timber frame infilled with brick. The mill is built over the stream.

Chris Langley | Bird Observatory at Portland Bill, Dorset

Bird Observatory at Portland Bill, Dorset

The bird migration observatory and field centre is housed in the disused 19th century lighthouse above the Portland Stone quarries on Portland Bill and is surrounded by fishermen's huts.

Chris Langley | A Canal Runs Through It

A Canal Runs Through It

In the aptly named Waterland district to the North East of Amsterdam are many beautiful small villages completely riddled with small waterways. Here one forms the divide for the rear of properties, creating a magical atmosphere

Chris Langley | Lulworth - The Jurassic Coast

Lulworth - The Jurassic Coast

Along the path into Lulworth Cove one passes these collapsed sea caves.

Chris Langley | Making Tracks Downslope

Making Tracks Downslope

In a fallow field of buttercups and dandelions, tracks head down the gentle slope to the gate

Chris Langley | Pulpit Rock, Isle of Portland, Dorset, looking west

Pulpit Rock, Isle of Portland, Dorset, looking west

Freestanding rock with slab of limestone leaning against it

Chris Langley | Portland Town, Chesil Beach and sea mists, Dorset

Portland Town, Chesil Beach and sea mists, Dorset

From the Olympic memorial high atop Portland Bill one looks over the old town Portland and along Chesil Beach as far as the sea mists will allow.

Chris Langley | Portland Lighthouse, Portland Bill, Dorset

Portland Lighthouse, Portland Bill, Dorset

This is the most recent lighthouse built on Portland Bill, finished in 1906. It stands 41 metres high. It continues to serve navigation along the south coast.

Chris Langley | Pulpit Rock, Isle of Portland, Dorset, looking east

Pulpit Rock, Isle of Portland, Dorset, looking east

Pulpit Rock and rough waters

Chris Langley | Fishermen's huts at Portland Bill, Dorset

Fishermen's huts at Portland Bill, Dorset

There are many fishermen's huts in close proximity to the eastern side of Portland Bill

Chris Langley | Abandoned Church of St George, Parish of Isle of Portland and The Royal Manor

Abandoned Church of St George, Parish of Isle of Portland and The Royal Manor

The old disused church and graveyard was handed over for restoration and preservation to a trust in 1971and is open to the public. The design is most unusual.

Chris Langley | Backyard Fishing

Backyard Fishing

Observed in Haarlem, Holland, while crossing a canal bridge, this man was fishing for his supper in the canal which runs behind his garden.

Chris Langley | Lake at the Keukenhof, Holland

Lake at the Keukenhof, Holland

The gardens at the Keukenhoff are only open 8 weeks a year in Spring and comprise of formal, informal and wild garden landscapes

Chris Langley | Grape Hyacinth and Tulip Variety at Keukenhoff, Holland

Grape Hyacinth and Tulip Variety at Keukenhoff, Holland

The annual tulip variety show at the Keukenhoff in Holland, shown in formal, informal and wild settings is truly something to behold

Chris Langley | Winding Spring Stream, Keukenhoff, Holland

Winding Spring Stream, Keukenhoff, Holland

A formalized stream winding its way through a floral landscape at the Keukenhoff, open only 8 weeks a year during Spring

Chris Langley | Spring at the Keukenhof, Holland (watercolour)

Spring at the Keukenhof, Holland (watercolour)

The Keukenhof in Holland is only open for 8 weeks each year, in Spring. It is where the Dutch bulb industry shows off its latest creations and varieties. The enormous estate, full of forested areas, lakes, formal and informal gardens, is maintained and planted with millions of flowers and each year they are removed and replaced for the following year. Put it on your bucket list! This image is presented as a detailed watercolour and shows best in a large canvas or print. In a small canvas or print the watercolour detail is less likely to show and it will appear more as a photo.

Chris Langley | Piata Mica from Bridge of Lies, Sibiu, Romania

Piata Mica from Bridge of Lies, Sibiu, Romania

Sibiu is an former part of the Kingdom of Saxony, now incorporated into Romania. The town has many beautiful squares, arcades, churches, towers and has been extensively renovated, returned to its former glory in the post-Communist years. The towers have portals between the squares they straddle. Sibiu was designated European Capital of Culture in 2007. Well worth a visit!

Chris Langley | Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) on the Alert!

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) on the Alert!

The Renard caught watching attentively from more closely than I dared to hope

Chris Langley | Beside St Katharine Dock Lock, London

Beside St Katharine Dock Lock, London

The old docklands of London have become very attractive spaces in the fabric of the old industrial city. Icons of the old British life, of many sorts, are scattered everywhere. This is found just to the east of the Tower of London.

Chris Langley | Engine Cooling Bay, Fieseler Storch aircraft

Engine Cooling Bay, Fieseler Storch aircraft

The engineering of aircraft can sometimes bring about some very interesting conjunctions of form and function. This is the air cooling scoop and the cooling fins of the cylinders are visible. Simply some nice symmetry!

Chris Langley | A Beautiful Radial Engine

A Beautiful Radial Engine

This is a beautiful presentation of the working end of a US made biplane. Radial engines were in use in military aircraft into the 1970s and many of these heritage aircraft are still flying today. This was photographed at Paine Field in Everett, Washington, USA

Chris Langley | North American B25 Mitchell Bomber

North American B25 Mitchell Bomber

The Mitchell was made in several variants and certainly its most iconic role was in the Doolittle raid on Toyko during WW2, actually flown off an aircraft carrier. This fully restored thing of beauty was photographed at Paine Field, near Everett, Washington State, USA

Chris Langley | Lancaster Just Jane NX611 returns to UK

Lancaster Just Jane NX611 returns to UK

in 1965 the Avro Lancaster we now know as Just Jane returned to UK from French Polynesia where she had been working as part of the French Aeronavale. Considerable fund raising was done to take the many steps to get her back to the UK. She later spent many years in RAF colours as a gate guardian at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, eventually ending up in the hands of two farmers who farmed a former RAF airfield, now the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirby, Lincolnshire. The Panton Brothers wanted a memorial to their brother who had been killed on operations during WW2 and they initiated the restoration to flight of Just Jane. In mid 2018 she has not flown yet but is so close to being ready to do that! This image of her during the flight back to UK is a part of my heritage aircraft image collection

Chris Langley | Mustang P51 Val Halla

Mustang P51 Val Halla

This aircraft is the personal mount of the former US astronaut, Major General William Anders. It is kept in the markings of the US Army Air Force unit which defended Iceland by treaty and is housed at the Anders' Heritage Flight Museum in Bellingham, Washington State, USA, which he operates with his son Lt Col. Greg Anders. William Anders is famous for the first earthrise imagery of Apollo 8 earth seen far away over the curvature of the moon, regarded today as one of the most famous and influential photographs ever taken.

Chris Langley | Fishing at Dusk

Fishing at Dusk

Enjoying the still time of the late evening, this fisherman just remained standing there, waiting and waiting. The quintessence of fishing. This image was made at Deer Lake, Burnaby British Columbia, Canada

Chris Langley | Sail, Flag and Compass Maker, Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Sail, Flag and Compass Maker, Nyhavn, Copenhagen

Business dating back to 1737 on the Nyhavn (New Harbour) dockside in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Chris Langley | Wooly Burdock (Arctium Tomentosum)

Wooly Burdock (Arctium Tomentosum)

Found growing wild at Smymgehuk in Skåne, Sweden, the southernmost point of Sweden, this plant is native to Eurasia from Spain to western China and flowers biennially.

Chris Langley | Farm Buildings at Börringe Kloster, Skåne, Sweden

Farm Buildings at Börringe Kloster, Skåne, Sweden

Börringe Kloster was a Monastic Priory, then operated as a farm estate, but modern farming has changed the need to use many of the buildings. We are left with some beautiful buildings crafted in typical local materials. Today this huge estate seems to no longer be farmed using old farming methodology and consequently with less equipment and manpower needed, many of the beautiful old buildings appear largely unused

Chris Langley | Twin Portals in Copenhagen, Denmark

Twin Portals in Copenhagen, Denmark

Streetfront gateways into interior courtyards can be interesting but especially so when they focus one's eye into the next street

Chris Langley | Streetfront Portal to Inner Courtyard in Copenhagen, Denmark

Streetfront Portal to Inner Courtyard in Copenhagen, Denmark

Another grand gateway made using bricks in a wall where the historical builder (1710) seems to have not been able to make up his mind about where he wanted openings! This image is presented in monochrome.

Chris Langley | Happy House in Copenhagen, Denmark

Happy House in Copenhagen, Denmark

An excentric and brightly painted house in the otherwise drab and formal residential streetscape in the centre of Copenhagen

Chris Langley | Pathway in Sighisoara, Romania

Pathway in Sighisoara, Romania

Sighisoara, Romania is a World Heritage Site, a wall-fortified hilltop, around which has grown a community, long before the advent of cars. The sharply twisting pathways were used for foot traffic and donkey-hauling and also made accessing the Barbican gate an indirect and confined access. This beautiful old town exudes character.

Chris Langley | Pathway towards Barbican, Sighisoara, Romania

Pathway towards Barbican, Sighisoara, Romania

Old Sighisoara is a hill fortress town built in the former area of Saxony which became part of Romania after WW1. It is a World Heritage Site. The Barbican is a tower and gateway complex which secured entry into the hill fortress, the other sides protected by steep cliffs and other watch towers. Sighisoara is in process of being restored using heritage funds provided by the European Union.

Chris Langley | Approaching Münster Cathedral (Dom Münster), Germany (watercolour)

Approaching Münster Cathedral (Dom Münster), Germany (watercolour)

The very simple, tranquil form of the Catholic Cathedral in Münster, Westfalia, Germany is revealed as one walks through the streets and small squares of the town. This is presented as a watercolour.

Chris Langley | Cloister at Agapia Monastery, Bucovina, Romania

Cloister at Agapia Monastery, Bucovina, Romania

Agapia Monastery is an Orthodox nunnery, one of the fortified church monasteries found in this area of north Eastern Romania just south of the Ukrainian border. The walled compound with its service and accommodation buildings around the inside of the walls face into a lavish garden with a basilica at its centre,

Chris Langley | Entry Portal of the Library, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Entry Portal of the Library, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Extremely ornate brickwork marks the entry to the University of Copenhagen Library

Chris Langley | Almshouses at Ewelme, Oxfordshire

Almshouses at Ewelme, Oxfordshire

Found in the rich light of evening with a storm brewing

Chris Langley | A Country Walk near Swyncombe,Oxfordshire - monochrome

A Country Walk near Swyncombe,Oxfordshire - monochrome

Two walkers in the evening light near Swyncombe Church, Oxfordshire

Chris Langley | Evening in the courtyard

Evening in the courtyard

Social outdoor space on an Oxfordshire farm.

Chris Langley | Stream in Ribe, Denmark's oldest town (watercolour)

Stream in Ribe, Denmark's oldest town (watercolour)

Evening light on stream flowing through the town of Ribe in Denmark, Denmark and Scandinavia's oldest settlement. A beautiful small town to visit! The image is presented as a watercolour

Chris Langley | Strada Cositorarilor, Sighisoara, Romania

Strada Cositorarilor, Sighisoara, Romania

Sighisoara is a World Heritage Site being restored from its degradation from the Communist years. Boldly painted plaster work is a feature of the town and its many nooks and crannies make for a photographer's dream. However it is still very much a place where people live and work and this is expressed in the young lads chasing through the streets.

Chris Langley | Selling Sea Shells by the Sea Shore

Selling Sea Shells by the Sea Shore

Artisan working at Lulworth Cove, Dorset. As per the request contained in the photograph, respectful permission was requested and permission was granted, and thanks were offered in both directions!

Chris Langley | Through the roof, a Hawthorn abode

Through the roof, a Hawthorn abode

Old Oxfordshire farmhand's house has been taken over by a Hawthorn tree which has pushed its way through through the roof.

Chris Langley | Red Kite in Camoflage Roost at Sunset

Red Kite in Camoflage Roost at Sunset

Out watching Red Kites one evening I heard the distinctive cry of the kite coming from a tree overhead. It took a while to spot it, but this handsome fellow had taken up his evening roost. Once you find him he is hard to miss, but still well camoflaged, with the low evening sun lighting him up.The Red Kite is considered to be a threatened species, but re-introduction of this bird has been very successful in some areas, especially in the Chilterns where they seem to be everywhere. A fairly large bird, a small number were spotted with radio transmitters on their backs, so obviously science is trying to figure out where they are safe and where they are not. It is beautiful to watch them swoop and hover and their distinctive call gives one the impression that they are delighted to be flying. They do not stay still for long and they are hard to photograph as a result.

Chris Langley | Two of the Most Famous Fighters of the Royal Air Force

Two of the Most Famous Fighters of the Royal Air Force

In the foreground a Griffon-Engined Supermarine Spitfire of WW2 and behind, the English Electric Lightning T5 XS449 photographed at RAF Coltishall in Norfolk in the 1960's. The Spitfire was built in many marks and in large volumes. This Lightning T5 is one of only 22 which were built at Warton. It is hard to come to terms with the fact that there was less than 20 years between these aircraft designs. The maximum speed of the Spitfire was 375 miles per hour. The maximum speed of the Lightning exceeded 1500 miles per hour. This historical image is held inside my personal collection.

Chris Langley | North American P82 Twin Mustang Prototype

North American P82 Twin Mustang Prototype

An idea for a long range, high altitude fighter to protect the US Army Air Force bomber streams over Japan resulted in the P82 Twin Mustang which eventually entered service in 1945 as the Mustang F82 and was the first fighter plane in service with the United States Air Force in the Korean War. The aircraft had remarkable range and altitude capability. This image is from my collection of historical aircraft images.

Chris Langley | First Double Decker under the Stonebow, Lincoln, 1927

First Double Decker under the Stonebow, Lincoln, 1927

A lot of ceremony for the first double decker under the Stonebow in Lincoln in 1927. The police officer in the image is my own grandfather. This old image is a scan of a printed image from the Lincoln Police magazine from 1927 in my collection.

Chris Langley | Spring in an English Garden

Spring in an English Garden

May. The grass has turned green. the leaves are suddenly all out. There is warmth in the sun. The early flowers have popped up and died back and the more durable ones are following. There is heat in the sun. The promise of summer to come is upon us.

Chris Langley | Farm Courtyard in South Oxfordshire

Farm Courtyard in South Oxfordshire

A feast for the eyes and senses created by this assembly of buildings, spaces and forms making up this farm courtyard. There are so many materials and textures here and they create a remarkable sense of place, all cleverly tied together by the gravel cover on the ground.

Chris Langley | Eye to Eye with a Peacock

Eye to Eye with a Peacock

A friendly peacock, not too nervous and willing to let one approach near enough for a good telephoto shot.

Chris Langley | A Country Walk near Swyncombe,Oxfordshire

A Country Walk near Swyncombe,Oxfordshire

Two walkers in the evening light near Swyncombe Church, Oxfordshire

Chris Langley | Moody, misty morning

Moody, misty morning

Early morning ground mist and a light fog mingling amoung the trees at sunrise

Chris Langley | Lincoln Cathedral viewed from the South-West

Lincoln Cathedral viewed from the South-West

Lincoln's amazing icon, its Cathedral, sits atop a limestone ridge which runs through the town.

Chris Langley | Textures and Materials on an Oxfordshire Farm

Textures and Materials on an Oxfordshire Farm

An interesting cacophony of textures and materials commonly found on south Oxfordshire rural buildings, all meeting in one place.

Chris Langley | Cute Corner on an Oxfordshire Farm

Cute Corner on an Oxfordshire Farm

The assembly of buildings which have accumulated on this farm in the south of Oxfordshire, along with the historical implements artfully gathering in corners, have come together with the colour of flowers and pots to create a very interesting and appealing corner outside the house.

Chris Langley | The Farm Barn Workshop

The Farm Barn Workshop

The Dutch door into the farm workshop is an invite to the curious, inside being work benches, storage and hand tools galore, neatly hanging on the walls

Chris Langley | Farming the Chiltern Hills, Oxfordshire

Farming the Chiltern Hills, Oxfordshire

This Chilterns farm in south Oxfordshire really frames the hills it is settled in. Rich materials, rich and lush natural colours. Rural peace.....

Chris Langley | Hillside Passage in old Sighisoara, Romania

Hillside Passage in old Sighisoara, Romania

The old town of Sighisoara in Romania climbs the hill into the fortified part of the town. The buildings show the remains of their vivid rendering and presence which is severely crumbling after years of neglect under the former communist regime. This town was built for foot traffic, horses and small carts. Sighisoara is a World Heritage Site.

Chris Langley | Raccoon the Bandit

Raccoon the Bandit

Raccoons come from a particularly North American origin and are not naturally found anywhere else. They live in forests, marshes, farmland and commonly in urban areas where there are trees and ground level foliage. They are medium in size and generally cautious around people. However do not corner Mother with her kits as you will probably get a ferocious response.

Chris Langley | West Vancouver, Canada from Prospect Point in Stanley Park

West Vancouver, Canada from Prospect Point in Stanley Park

This view point, just west of the Lion's Gate Bridge over the narrows in Stanley Park, shows a good day in Vancouver's often grey, blustery, cloudy winter. The entrance to Vancouver Harbour lies through the narrows and the 1930's built Lions Gate suspension bridge soars high over the water, giving access to West Vancouver.

Chris Langley | North Vancouver Shoreline and the North Shore Mountains

North Vancouver Shoreline and the North Shore Mountains

Seen across Vancouver harbour, this wintery shot of North Vancouver with the immediate backdrop of the North Shore Mountains is a typical view, showing the looming and lingering clouds which shroud the mountains in winter and a hint of how close quality skiing really is at higher altitudes!

Chris Langley | Lion's Gate Bridge Crossing The First Narrows, Vancouver, Canada

Lion's Gate Bridge Crossing The First Narrows, Vancouver, Canada

In 1937-8 the Guinness estate built of the Lion's Gate Bridge, linking Vancouver itself to the North Shore communities of North and West Vancouver, allowing them to develop their extensive land holdings on the north side of the Burrard Inlet. The First Narrows, over which this suspension bridge passes, is the main entrance into Vancouver Harbour and required the bridge to be built with a 60m clearance below. The narrows to enter the harbour is a mere 222m wide and suffers a very strong tidal flow. The bridge was a toll bridge until 1963. Its original 2 lane nature was widened to three reversible lanes in the first years of the 21st century, the first time the complete deck of such a suspension bridge was replaced.

Chris Langley | The Lion's Gate and Vancouver Harbour

The Lion's Gate and Vancouver Harbour

Looking across Lion's Gate Bridge, showing the very narrow and tidally treacherous entry into Burrard Inlet and Vancouver's inner harbour, looking east. Burrard Inlet is a fjord which travels east for a short way then turns north deeply into the mountains for about 30kms up Indian Arm. In the distance can be seen the Second Narrows bridge, there only being two crossings of the inlet linking Vancouver to its outlying communities. The hill to the south of the second narrows is Burnaby Mountain, the home of Simon Fraser Univsersity. Vancouver's sheltered harbour is an extremely busy enterprise.

Chris Langley | Moody Misty Morning

Moody Misty Morning

Some mornings in winter, the cool damp air mingles an early ground mist with the swirling fog, allowing sun rays to penetrate in patches, bringing momentary patterns of light to lighten the ground.

Chris Langley | Romanian Cosmonaut Badge, First Class, Romanian Air Force

Romanian Cosmonaut Badge, First Class, Romanian Air Force

This is the actual badge (#2) which would have been awarded to the Romanian Cosmonaut Lt. Col. Dumitru Dediu had he completed his mission training and flown in space with the Soviet InterCosmos program. Sadly the InterCosmos program which allowed cosmonauts from other eastern bloc nations to fly on Soviet missions was cancelled before Dediu had the opportunity to fly. The only Romanian Cosmonaut to go into space (1981) was Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu whose cosmonaut badges are on display in the Military aviation museum in Bucurest, Romania. Dumitru Dediu passed away in 2013.

Chris Langley | Early winter morning on the Fraser River, Vancouver

Early winter morning on the Fraser River, Vancouver

The Fraser River is still in many places a working industrial river as it takes its course between the cities of Vancouver and Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. The tugs and barges are readying, the stocked lumber rafts in the river await their removal to the lumber mill generating steam upstream. At ground level the air is still but chilly and damp, the sky a little threatening and more turbulent.

Chris Langley | German NSFK Motor Pilot Badge 1936-1945

German NSFK Motor Pilot Badge 1936-1945

Youth pilots of the NSFK, a cadet movement preparing for the Nazi era Luftwaffe. The showing of the folded cross or swastika does not in any way indicate support of that regime or its policies. The purpose is to illustrate a German NSFK motor pilot badge as found during that era.

Chris Langley | Lithuanian Air Force Advanced Pilot Badge 1933-1940

Lithuanian Air Force Advanced Pilot Badge 1933-1940

An honour badge for pilots with 10 years of service. The Lithuanian Air Force came into being in the early 1920's and was subsumed into the Soviet Air Force when Lithuania was invaded in 1940. It had been a very small air force in a very small country, with few pilots. After the fall off the Soviet empire the Baltic States including Lithuania regained their independence and rebuilt their small forces, once again using a rather poor copy of this sturdy badge to honour senior pilots.

Chris Langley | Latvian Military Air Regiment Branch of Service Badge

Latvian Military Air Regiment Branch of Service Badge

Latvian military air service comprised both army and naval aviation. All members of this small group, land or sea plane based, wore this badge on their left breast, high on the shoulder. It was not specifically for pilots, though pilots also wore this badge. The one worn by officers was gilded, the one worn by other ranks and NCOs was silver in colour. Both bore the national red folded cross (swastika), a symbol totally unrelated to its later use by the German Nazi party. It is an ancient symbol of peace and health found throughout history, especially in Asia. Its use by the Nazi party in Germany was a perversion of its meaning.

Chris Langley | The Osprey

The Osprey

A large predator raptor, living largely in coastal zones in many parts of the world. They build their large unruly nests on ledges and platforms and are increasingly becoming seen in urban areas nesting on buildings. Their plunge into water for their fishy prey is usually feet first.

Chris Langley | Lincolnshire Wolds

Lincolnshire Wolds

The high rolling country in the north east of Lincolnshire and its under-populated farmland is a peaceful area of outstanding natural beauty and belies the county's reputation as a low, flat land

Chris Langley | Big Sky Sunset in Lincolnshire Wolds

Big Sky Sunset in Lincolnshire Wolds

The high rolling country in the north east of Lincolnshire and its under-populated farmland is a peaceful area of outstanding natural beauty and belies the county's reputation as a low, flat land. Lincolnshire's big skies offer up some truly spectacular sunsets, added to by aircraft contrails.

Chris Langley | China National Airways Corporation Pilot Badge WW2

China National Airways Corporation Pilot Badge WW2

CNAC was not strictly a military organisation but it was largely staffed by pilots of American origins and others, including members of the Flying Tigers once the Japanese took control of much of China during WW2. CNAC pilots flew across the Himalayas (called flying the hump) keeping the military supply routes open, the supply roadways being occupied. These routes were very difficult and many pilots and their aircraft did not survive. CNAC ties to the US military and intelligence organisations was high.

Chris Langley | French Air Force enlisted pilot pre-1916

French Air Force enlisted pilot pre-1916

Enlisted pilot badges of France, worn on the left sleeve before 1916, were typically all woven into a wool or cloth backing . This example is unusual in that the propeller is attached over the top and made of bronze. Non commissioned officer's badges were typically a combination of woven silk and metallic bullion, with variations in colour. Officer's badges were normally all metallic bullion. Some pilots eschewed the arm badge and unofficially wore instead one of many golden bird jewelry pieces on the left breast. In 1916 a totally different metal badge was issued for wear on the right breast.

Chris Langley | Germany Pilot/Observer badge 1936-1945

Germany Pilot/Observer badge 1936-1945

Standard design for both the pilot and pilot/observer badges of the Nazi era Luftwaffe. The pilot badge was usually in silver only while the dual qualified pilot/observer badge carried a gold wreath. This example is an Austrian made one by GWL. The showing of the folded cross or swastika does not in any way indicate support of that regime or its policies. The purpose is to illustrate a German pilot/observer badge as found during that era.

Chris Langley | Germany Luftwaffe Pilot Badge 1936-1945

Germany Luftwaffe Pilot Badge 1936-1945

Standard design for both the pilot and pilot/observer badges of the Nazi era Luftwaffe. The pilot badge was usually in silver only while the pilot/observer badge carried a gold wreath. This example is an Austrian made one by BSW (Bruder Schneider Wien). The showing of the folded cross or swastika does not in any way indicate support of that regime or its policies. The purpose is to illustrate a German pilot badge as found during that era.

Chris Langley | Czechoslovakia Air Force Pilot Badge 1923 - 1954

Czechoslovakia Air Force Pilot Badge 1923 - 1954

Pattern of badge used by pilots of the Czechoslovakian air force between 1923 and 1954. This badge was made by Provaznik in Prague and dates from the 1930's. In 1954 the Soviets required a change in the design, placing a large red enamel star behind the state crest. This design was only in use for a short time in 1954 and was then replaced by a Soviet style of badge.

Chris Langley | British Royal Air Force Pilot Badge,Full Dress Uniform - 1918

British Royal Air Force Pilot Badge,Full Dress Uniform - 1918

The independent Royal Air Force replaced the Army's Royal Flying Corps and the Navy's Royal Naval Air Service on April 1st 1918. The very first RAF wings were a misinterpretation of the design specification (ARF instead of RAF) but this was quickly sorted out and RAF wings were put into use. This wing is quite elaborate and contains both gold and silver bullion wire, somewhat against regulation and was for use on the full dress uniform of a very senior officer. The very first wing in my collection, a very long time ago.

Chris Langley | Romanian Air Force Pilot Badge - Transitional 1927-1930

Romanian Air Force Pilot Badge - Transitional 1927-1930

The 1927 death of King Ferdinand brought his minor grandson to the throne under a Regency as Ferdinand's son Carol was in exile in France. The pilot badge of Ferdinand was converted with the cypher of Michael 1 (Mihai) added to it in pale blue enamel and a gold crown during this regency. When Carol returned to Romania in 1930 he became king and a new form of pilot badge was introduced. In 1940 Carol was deposed and Mihai returned to the throne and a new wing, derivative of the Ferdinand style was created.

Chris Langley | Romanian Air Force Pilot Badge 1930 -1940

Romanian Air Force Pilot Badge 1930 -1940

Romanian pilot badge under King Carol who reigned from 1930, replacing his minor son who had been in place under a Regency, until 1940 when he was deposed and replaced again by his son, Michael (Mihai). Carol used the inverted C's as his royal cypher. This pattern of wing was also used for civilian pilots during Carol's reign, though with the sword removed.

Chris Langley | Romanian Air Force Aircraft Observer 1940 - 1949

Romanian Air Force Aircraft Observer 1940 - 1949

From 1940-1949 during the second period of reign of Michael 1 (Mihai) . The general form of the Observer badge had remained the same since the inception of military flying, first the badge during the reign of Ferdinand, then the transitional badges made during the Michael Regency, then the badges of Carol and finally the badges of Michael during and after WW2. The significant differences were the cyphers used in each reign, though there were minor differences in the swept wings of these badges also. This badge bears the Hohenzollern family crest used by Mihai.

Chris Langley | Across The Salish Sea at Dusk

Across The Salish Sea at Dusk

Scene from Vancouver looking west southwest across the Salish Sea dividing Vancouver Island from the mainland of British Columbia. Galiano and Valdes islands can be slightly discerned in the cloudy sunset, some 35 kilometres distant, with the expanse of Vancouver Island imaginable beyond that.

Chris Langley | The Erikson Building, False Creek, Vancouver, Canada

The Erikson Building, False Creek, Vancouver, Canada

This building really was built the way you see it. There is no clever warping here. Its lines are emphasized by the masts of yachts anchored on the near shore of Granville Island in Vancouver, Canada. The building was the last one conceived by the world famous Canadian architect Arthur Erikson before his passing. Other buildings include the Canadian Embassy in Washington DC, Simon Fraser University in Burnaby and a lifetime of other landmarks.

Chris Langley | Spirits in the forest

Spirits in the forest

Totems are the iconic features of the old west coast of Canada native settlements. They are often free-standing and were also often used as structural centre poles for the long houses found along the coast and rivers. The poles tell the story of the clans represented in the family units, each clan named for one of the animals of the forest and ocean which are the mainstay of native life, the blending of clans represented in the poles

Chris Langley | Brasilian Army Pilot Badge 1920s-1930s

Brasilian Army Pilot Badge 1920s-1930s

Before the formation of the Brasilian Air Force, the Army provided for military aviation matters in the 1920's and 1930s and this badge was the mark of an army pilot. This badge is rarely seen today even in substantial collections

Chris Langley | Royal Canadian Naval Air Service Pilot Badge - 1918

Royal Canadian Naval Air Service Pilot Badge - 1918

Formulated in 1918 before the end of WW1, The Royal Canadian Naval Air Service had put to work enlisted and officer recruits while officer pilots were recruited and trained, but before the pilot recruits had completed their training policies changed and the pilot trainees were let go, the other staff were let go or incorporated into the other forces and the idea for having a Royal Canadian Naval Air Service was abandoned. There are several stories about how the wings which were made for the trainee pilots to wear on graduation were distributed but today only a small handful are known to exist, many not in good condition because of the fragile nature of the design. The wing is identical to the wing made for the proposed Canadian Air Force, worn from 1918 to 1924 except that the latter had a maple leaf replacing the anchor.

Chris Langley | Bulgarian Air Force Observer badge, 1936-44, German made

Bulgarian Air Force Observer badge, 1936-44, German made

This badge came into use when Bulgaria recommenced official military flying after the prohibitions after WW1 and the development of the secret air force, a sort of organisation of civilian flying clubs with a military training purpose. This badge is German made by the Sedlatzek firm. Many Germans of the Luftwaffe served with the Bulgarian Air Force during WW2. This badge was adapted by the invading Russians in 1944 by removing the state crown and replacing it with a red star or a red star with hammer and sickle. There were also Bulgarian made versions of the same badge.

Chris Langley | Australian Flying Corps pilot badge 1918-1921

Australian Flying Corps pilot badge 1918-1921

During WW1 Australia organised its own military flying organisation, the AMF, and used two patterns of pilot badge before the official adoption of this pattern of badge in 1918. Some version similar to this were in unofficial use as early as late 1916, replacing those marked AMF. The badge changed to carry the letters RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) in 1921.

Chris Langley | Bulgarian Air Force Air Observer badge 1916 -1919

Bulgarian Air Force Air Observer badge 1916 -1919

This Bulgarian Observer badge is believed to be a German made badge, in use from 1916 until 1919 officially, though it is known that even after the imposition of the loss of their air force post WW1, the badge was intermittently still made, sometimes in molded form and worn as issued by retired flyers and members of the secret air force which grew as a civilian flying organisation between WW1 and WW2.

Chris Langley | Bulgarian Air Force pilot badge - WW1 pattern

Bulgarian Air Force pilot badge - WW1 pattern

This badge is a moulded and silver plated example of an originally WW1 issued badge. After the armistice in 1918 and through 1919, those forces which had fought on the German side, including Bulgaria, were forbidden to have an air force and consequently no uniforms or badges were allowed. However it is known that persons who had been qualified as pilots during WW1 as well as newly qualifying sports pilots of the secret air force did have and were issued with these copied badges, crude as they were.

Chris Langley | Georgian Democratic Republic Pilot Badge 1918-1921

Georgian Democratic Republic Pilot Badge 1918-1921

The free and independent state of Georgia from 1918 to 1921 had its own independent air force prior to being subsumed by the USSR. This very rare pilot badge is quite a different design to many of the era.

Chris Langley | Finland Air Force Pilot Badge 1921-1944 (pale blue version)

Finland Air Force Pilot Badge 1921-1944 (pale blue version)

Variation of standard pattern for the Finnish Air Force pilot badge from 1921 to 1944, this badge is unusual and rare in that it was manufactured using transparent enamel of a pale electric blue colour. There is no known reason for this variation from the vivid blue normally used. These badges were definitely issued and worn. Please note: the use of the folded cross in this badge bears no reference to its later use by the German Nazis. Both Finland and Latvia used the folded cross as a symbol of peace and health in their state symbology prior to the Nazis using it as their Swastika and this ancient symbol is also found in use in the art of many African and Asian countries. No offense should be drawn from its inclusion in this badge .

Chris Langley | Finland Air Force Pilot Badge 1921-1944

Finland Air Force Pilot Badge 1921-1944

Standard pattern for the Finnish Air Force pilot badge from 1921 to 1944. Other similar badges are rarely seen manufactured using transparent enamel of a pale electric blue colour. There is no known reason for this variation from the vivid blue normally used. Both badges were definitely issued and worn. Please note: the use of the folded cross in this badge bears no reference to its later use by the German Nazis. Both Finland and Latvia used the folded cross as a symbol of peace and health in their state symbology prior to the Nazis using it as their Swastika and this ancient symbol is also found in use in the art of many African and Asian countries. No offense should be drawn from its inclusion in this badge .

Chris Langley | France Air Force Non-Commissioned Pilot Badge pre 1916

France Air Force Non-Commissioned Pilot Badge pre 1916

In the early days of military aviation the badges used to identify pilots varied considerably from simple to complex. In France prior to 1916 a woven badge was worn on the arm, in different patterns for enlisted men, non-commissioned officers and commissioned officers. These were made in tailor shops and conformed generally to a written description, but varied considerably in fine detail. This badge is in general conformity with the non-commissioned officer arm badge, using both woven silk and bullion wire elements on a wool backing. Some pilots did not like the arm badge and elected to wear a variety of jeweller manufactured golden birds to represent their status. In 1916 the Government designed and issued a bi-colour metal badge worn on the right breast officially and that same badge is in use today.

Chris Langley | Risør, Norway looking south from The White Rock (watercolour)

Risør, Norway looking south from The White Rock (watercolour)

On Norway's east coast is one of Norway's famous white villages, a historical maritime location and famous for wooden boat building and the Risør Wooden Boat Festival, held in July. Wooden boats large and small from all over Europe and elsewhere visit the festival and fill the harbour. The White Rock is a navigation landmark high in the hills overlooking the harbour and provides a spectacular view across the village and down the coast. The image is presented as a watercolour.

Chris Langley | Bristol Blenheim Mk1

Bristol Blenheim Mk1

A restored example resulting from many collaborations resulting from parts of several aircraft used after crashes and the nose had even been used as a car! Originally built in the 1930's these aircraft were the most numerous aircraft in service in the RAF at the outbreak of WW2 and were used largely as a light bomber. The Blenheim resides at Duxford, Cambridgeshire. Image from my collection of heritage aircraft photography.

Chris Langley | Two Brave men and Spitfire Mk Vb 501City of Winnipeg Squadron - 1944

Two Brave men and Spitfire Mk Vb 501City of Winnipeg Squadron - 1944

This actual aircraft, EP 120, has been restored and remains at Duxford. It was built at Castle Bromwich in 1942 and has a verifiable record of having shot down many enemy aircraft while in service with various squadrons. She is restored to her 1944 appearance with 501 squadron RCAF. This is a digitally stored and colourised heritage image from my historical aviation collection. Both pilots in the image are wearing the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Chris Langley | Dusk on the Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada

Dusk on the Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada

The Fraser River delta has several branches of the river. The river dikes make for some great walks, especially facing west at sunset

Chris Langley | Moonlight on the first snow

Moonlight on the first snow

A beautiful full moon lighting up the crisp and quiet evening air on the season's first snowfall. Photographed in Champlain Heights, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Chris Langley | Houseboat Marina Mailboxes

Houseboat Marina Mailboxes

Photographed on the access to a houseboat marina at Granville Island, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, these mailboxes have been artfully and whimsically decorated.

Chris Langley | Making Tracks in the Valley Field

Making Tracks in the Valley Field

The farmer left tracks in this mature field which brought out the fact that the field lies in a valley bottom. Photographed in Oxfordshire, England in evening light.

Chris Langley | Humming Bird in hover

Humming Bird in hover

This humming bird has unusual markings making it hard to identify. It could be a Rufous or an Anna's Hummingbird female. Photographed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Chris Langley | Cloister at the Agapaia Monastery, Bucovina, Romania

Cloister at the Agapaia Monastery, Bucovina, Romania

The Agapia Monastery is one of many painted monasteries in the Bucovina district of Romania. These are walled and defended monasteries which have accomodations and services around the interior walls with a beautifully decorated basilica in the Orthodox style freestanding at the centre. Agapia is occupied by nuns.

Chris Langley | Ferry at Horseshoe Bay, British Columbia, Canada

Ferry at Horseshoe Bay, British Columbia, Canada

This is one of the large ferries which transport people and vehicles between the British Columbia mainland and Vancouver Island. Horseshoe Bay is a pretty and very confined village, hemmed in by the mountains. The ferries create a strong presence in these narrow waters.

Chris Langley | On Golden Pond

On Golden Pond

Deer Lake, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada in the Fall (Autumn) we have the water lillies and the trees reflected in the lake surface in a scene very reminiscent of a Monet painting

Chris Langley | The Crooked House, St Martin's Lane, Lincoln

The Crooked House, St Martin's Lane, Lincoln

Looking up St Martin's Lane towards Steep Hill and Christ's Hospital Terrace, with the towers of the Cathedral as a backdrop, can be seen perhaps as iconic a view as one can find of the old medieval centre of Lincoln. It was a gorgeous day too!

Chris Langley | Tobogganing the South Common, Lincoln (watercolour)

Tobogganing the South Common, Lincoln (watercolour)

The slopes of the South Common in Lincoln, whenever there is enough snow, make for a great slope to bundle up and enjoy in the late afternoon. Image is presented as a watercolour.

Chris Langley | The Lifeguard's Chair

The Lifeguard's Chair

Cate's Park on Burrard Inlet, British Columbia, Canada. In season when the beaches are securely guarded by lifeguards constantly watching the water for dangers, the lot of the lifeguard is a lonely one. The empty elevated chair perched on the water's edge in winter time emphasizes that loneliness but symbolizes better times to come.

Chris Langley | Season's first snow at Lincoln Cathedral from North East - (watercolour)

Season's first snow at Lincoln Cathedral from North East - (watercolour)

Lincoln Cathedral is picturesque from almost any angle, but this view from Eastgate with a light dusting of snow before all the leaves are down expresses the tranquility of this place. The image is presented as a watercolour.

Chris Langley | Dancing the waves - 1920

Dancing the waves - 1920

This three masted full rigged ship is furling its sails in an attempt to avoid hitting the rocks on its port side. I wonder if it succeeded? This heritage image from my collection has been restored digitally to a very high standard to remove paper surface tears, scratches etc and is suitable for big enlargements. NOTE the irregular horizon line is exactly as photographed. The ship is around deep sea rocks which cause large surges in the water level.

Chris Langley | Remarkable Purple Iris

Remarkable Purple Iris

Sometimes looking very closely at something outside of its normal context shows the remarkable beauty within

Chris Langley | The Key

The Key

In the village of Apold, south of Sibiu, Romania, is an ancient fortified church, something not uncommon in Romania. In the outer wall of the defensive wall is a wooden door which is kept locked. Hanging on a nail on the inside of the door lies the key. The simplicity and fragility of this item compared to the task demanded of it was very poignant.

Chris Langley | Lincoln Cathedral Transept, looking east

Lincoln Cathedral Transept, looking east

A magnificent building from any perspective, but for me the point of intersection of the nave, the choir and the north and south arms of the cathedral, the four corners of which support the massive central tower above the remarkably beautiful ceiling are the most worthy of note . A stone kaleidoscope.

Chris Langley | Whale in Canadian west coast native design language

Whale in Canadian west coast native design language

Hammered silver plattern bears the carved form of a whale crafted in the stylistic language of the Canadian west coast. Lit different ways, this reflects many colours. #1

Chris Langley | Understory of the Temperate Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada

Understory of the Temperate Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada

The temperate rainforest consists of a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees which grow thickly enough to create a green-tinged world and strongly enough that the trunks reach tremendous heights and dimensions with an open feel under the canopy, yet at the ground level many low plants such as ferns grow at the ever-damp ground level. The light and texture is quite beautiful. Photograph taken in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

Chris Langley | Bulgarian Air Force Pilot Badge, 1936 - 1944, by Sedletzak

Bulgarian Air Force Pilot Badge, 1936 - 1944, by Sedletzak

This badge was made in Germany by the Sedletzak company. Many German Luftwaffe pilots served with the Bulgarian Air Force before and during WW2.

Chris Langley | Lancaster Mk V11 NX611

Lancaster Mk V11 NX611

Known today as Just Jane, restored and maintained at East Kirkby, Lincolnshire, had seen service in French Polynesia with the French Aeronavale. In 1965, donated by the French and after a lot of fundraising, she was flown back to UK. She spent many years on loan as a gate guardian at RAF Scampton before changing hands a couple of times and now is being restored to near flyable condition. Currently she performs taxi runs only, but there is a strong desire and intent to put her back in the air. This historical 1965 image made on her return flight from the Pacific is held inside my personal collection.

Chris Langley | The Fisherman - Great Blue Heron

The Fisherman - Great Blue Heron

Found in many locations in Europe, North America and elsewhere, this proud fellow was found watching for fish in Deer Lake, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.

Chris Langley | Old Abandoned Alexandra Bridge, Fraser Canyon, British Columbia, Canada

Old Abandoned Alexandra Bridge, Fraser Canyon, British Columbia, Canada

The old bridge forms the key object in a Provincial Park, accessed from the bed of the abandoned roadway. British Columbia is a young place. With the exploration of the Fraser Canyon, one of the main routes to the north for road and rail has been developed and redeveloped from a horse trail to a modern road and railway route many times in the last 150 years. The original Alexandra bridge was built in 1861, replaced in 1863 and demolished by flooding of the canyon in 1894 and dismantled in 1912. After WW1 when proper automobile roads were built through the canyon a new bridge was built in 1926 and this bridge remains to this day, but was abandoned for traffic in 1964 and a new bridge built further downstream.

Chris Langley | Pathway towards Barbican, Sighisoara, Romania

Pathway towards Barbican, Sighisoara, Romania

Old Sighisoara is a hill fortress town built in the former area of Saxony which became part of Romania after WW1. It is a World Heritage Site. The Barbican is a tower and gateway complex which secured entry into the hill fortress, the other sides protected by steep cliffs and other watch towers. Sighisoara is in process of being restored using heritage funds provided by the European Union.

Chris Langley | Car-Free Day Street Market, Vancouver, Canada

Car-Free Day Street Market, Vancouver, Canada

During the summertime when it gets sunny, hot and humid in Vancouver, the city closes down certain main commercial streets in the city and opens them up to street markets, musicians, promotions, politicians and in comes the crowds of pedestrians. There is always a huge variety, lots of colour. This happens several days each summer in different locations around the city. Fun!

Chris Langley | BelgianFlintlock brass barrelled pocket pistol

BelgianFlintlock brass barrelled pocket pistol

The date of this pistol is unknown, but likely early to mid 19th Century

Chris Langley | Williamson Derringer black powder pistol, c1870

Williamson Derringer black powder pistol, c1870

Single shot percussion pistol of 44 calibre. US Manufactured by Williamson to a Derringer pattern

Chris Langley | Brasov gateway with red bike

Brasov gateway with red bike

The city of Brasov in Romania has a streetscape of portals opening into interior courtyards. They offer endless variety, inviting curiosity.

Chris Langley | The Three Towers of Ribe Cathedral, Denmark (watercolour)

The Three Towers of Ribe Cathedral, Denmark (watercolour)

The small Jutland town of Ribe in Denmark was once the capital of the country and has some beautiful buildings and streets. The Cathedral has three towers, all different to one another, quite unique and very beautiful. Image is presented as a watercolour.

Chris Langley | Point Atkinson Lighthouse, British Columbia, Canada

Point Atkinson Lighthouse, British Columbia, Canada

Lighthouse was built in 1914 on granite boulders jutting out into Burrard Inlet in West Vancouver, Canada. The reinforced concrete structure replaced an earlier wood structure built in 1875. At the time of construction the design was considered innovative. It is now automated and still in use, situated in a forested shoreline park bearing its name.

Chris Langley | Steep Steps, Steep Hill, Lincoln, England.

Steep Steps, Steep Hill, Lincoln, England.

Found on Steep Hill in Lincoln, this very old brick building with a very creative multilevel means of entry to the main floor, a mid-level storage area and an elevated rear garden. This is something of a conversation piece!