C.W. Lonsdale Portrait
Robert S. Hyndman ’34 (Ripley’s) attended Shawnigan Lake School for Grades 7–9 before moving with his family to Ontario. He went on to study at the Central School of Arts and Crafts in London, England, laying the foundation for a distinguished artistic career. During the Second World War, he served in the RCAF as a flight instructor and flew 155 missions over Europe, capturing his experiences through sketches. His talent drew attention, leading to his appointment as an official war artist. Today, many of his works hang in the Canadian War Museum.
After the war, Hyndman built a long and respected career as a portrait artist – including a commission to paint Queen Elizabeth II – and later taught at the Ottawa School of Art until the remarkable age of 92. Yet over the years he retained a particular affection for his former Headmaster, C. W. Lonsdale. On a postwar visit, Hyndman asked to paint Lonsdale’s portrait. Typically requiring seven to nine sittings, he managed only two during the brief visit and always referred to the result as merely a “sketch” – a modest description of a work that carries enduring significance.
Christopher Windley Lonsdale founded Shawnigan Lake School in 1916 with a bold and unwavering vision. As one Old Boy reflected, “He had an image of the perfect student, and he was going to create him… and to a great extent he did succeed.” Though details of his own education beyond Westminster School in London are scarce, Lonsdale possessed a rare blend of confidence, conviction, and charisma. It was said that “he would charm the mothers and make the fathers see their sons as bank presidents.” Above all, he believed deeply in the boys entrusted to his care, often ensuring that those who could not afford tuition were educated nonetheless. In doing so, he fostered not only scholars, but lifelong loyalty and friendship – as Hyndman’s story so clearly illustrates.
Lonsdale never allowed the School to stand still. In 1928, he challenged the Board of Governors “to consider carefully whether it is wise to remain stationary when opportunity is so obviously waiting for us…” It was a call to action he embodied. By the time of his death in 1952, the School had grown from just six boys into a thriving institution, supported by strong academic and athletic programs and a campus designed to match his ambition.
In the years since, successive Headmasters have carried Lonsdale’s vision forward – each adding their own chapter while preserving the spirit of the original dream. Through periods of challenge and change, the School has remained steadfast, growing into Canada’s largest boarding school, supported by dedicated staff and a generous community.
In a 1999 letter to the School, Hyndman wrote with characteristic warmth and honesty: “As a student in the late 20s and early 30s I was most fond of C. W. Lonsdale… I hope the portrait will continue to give you at the school a happy memory of C. W. Lonsdale. He was indeed a great man!”
And so, as we conclude this series marking 110 years, we return to the man whose vision set it all in motion – Christopher Windley Lonsdale – whose enduring belief in young people continues to shape the School, a legacy not simply remembered, but lived each day.
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 at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
Christopher Windley Lonsdale founded Shawnigan Lake School in 1916 with a bold and unwavering vision. As one Old Boy reflected, “He had an image of the perfect student, and he was going to create him… and to a great extent he did succeed.” Though details of his own education beyond Westminster School in London are scarce, Lonsdale possessed a rare blend of confidence, conviction, and charisma. It was said that “he would charm the mothers and make the fathers see their sons as bank presidents.” Above all, he believed deeply in the boys entrusted to his care, often ensuring that those who could not afford tuition were educated nonetheless. In doing so, he fostered not only scholars, but lifelong loyalty and friendship – as Hyndman’s story so clearly illustrates.
Lonsdale never allowed the School to stand still. In 1928, he challenged the Board of Governors “to consider carefully whether it is wise to remain stationary when opportunity is so obviously waiting for us…” It was a call to action he embodied. By the time of his death in 1952, the School had grown from just six boys into a thriving institution, supported by strong academic and athletic programs and a campus designed to match his ambition.
In the years since, successive Headmasters have carried Lonsdale’s vision forward – each adding their own chapter while preserving the spirit of the original dream. Through periods of challenge and change, the School has remained steadfast, growing into Canada’s largest boarding school, supported by dedicated staff and a generous community.
In a 1999 letter to the School, Hyndman wrote with characteristic warmth and honesty: “As a student in the late 20s and early 30s I was most fond of C. W. Lonsdale… I hope the portrait will continue to give you at the school a happy memory of C. W. Lonsdale. He was indeed a great man!”
And so, as we conclude this series marking 110 years, we return to the man whose vision set it all in motion – Christopher Windley Lonsdale – whose enduring belief in young people continues to shape the School, a legacy not simply remembered, but lived each day.
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 at alumni@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 12 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
