Library Advisory Board member Haig Farris, University Librarian Ingrid Parent, Dr. Uno Langmann, UBC Chancellor Lindsay Gordon
During the May 22 spring convocation ceremony, the University of British Columbia conferred art and antiques dealer Uno Langmann with an honorary doctorate degree. Dr. Langmann donated over 18,000 rare and unique early photographs and books from the 1850s to the 1950s to UBC Library in 2014, forming the Uno Langmann Family Collection of B.C. Photographs.
The donation is considered to be a premiere private collection of early provincial photos in a wide variety of formats and genres, including albums, diaries, portraits, landscapes and city/townscapes.
A First Nations family appear outside a dwelling (c. 1915-1925)
In his speech, Dr. Langmann noted his choice of profession was guided by a love for history. With a personal collection of books containing over 12,000 titles, his donation to UBC was fueled by the sincere belief that the library is the backbone of any University and that this special collection would help elevate UBC’s reputation as one of the best institutions. Langmann advised the graduates before him to “use the finest computer yet developed, your brain,” adding that, “luck favours the prepared mind.”
The photographs in the Uno Langmann BC Historical Photograph Collection are preserved in our archives and have been mostly digitized and made public on the Library website. As of this month, there are now 55 albums available for exploration. Additionally, Library users are able to request an in-person viewing of items from the collection through UBC Library’s Rare Books and Special Collections.