Headmaster C.W. Lonsdale reported to the Board in 1928 that the year saw a new innovation: a drawing school “very ably instituted and conducted by Mr. [Robert] Rose, who has spent a good deal of his own money and endless time and trouble, in order to make the drawing school attractive and useful.” Drawing was made compulsory throughout the School, up to Form VI (Grade 12). In addition, any boys who wished for more, could have individual teaching from Mr. Rose for $15 per term. A former student recalls that the art room had articulated models of the human form, busts of famous people, and a model of a Corinthian column. Mechanical drawing was included in the curriculum.
Initially, the art room was situated in the Main Building and was limited to a drawing class, but over the years, the locations changed to accommodate the growing Fine Arts program. Today, several classes are offered in what was formerly called the Hobbies Building, since its construction in 1934, and is now called the Bruce-Lockhart Centre for Creativity (renamed in 2023), where bespoke areas have been created for sculpture, printmaking, computer graphics, photography, film, pottery, and woodwork.
These spaces are bustling, fun, creative areas, often filled with music and light chatter as students take the opportunity to explore and develop their creative side. Student artwork is displayed throughout the campus, and in the public theatre lobby during the School’s musical productions. This exposure has been a springboard for numerous individuals into a wide range of careers in the visual arts.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office atalumni@shawnigan.ca.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.