Iris Preston has bequeathed several paintings to the Township of Langley.
In her will, she left all her Peter Ewart paintings to the Langley Centennial Museum and Exhibition Centre.
David Leavers, director of the Township’s recreation, culture and parks, said that there are nine Ewart paintings in the bequest. Her executor had the paintings appraised by an accredited appraiser, a fine art specialist who put their value at $15,300.
The paintings are not yet in the Township’s possession, Leavers said, adding that they will eventually be delivered to the museum curator who will enter them into the museum’s collection, and ensure they are stored appropriately until they are put on public display.
Ewart, who spent many years in Langley, died in 2001.
His paintings have been exhibited at the Royal Academy in London, as well as the Canadian National Exhibition. In his career. Ewart had more than 40 one-man exhibitions. His paintings are held by corporations and by private collectors in Canada and abroad.
Information about the artist is available at http://peterewart.com/
“The Township deeply appreciates this bequest from Mrs. Preston and our Langley Centennial Museum will ensure the safeguarding of these paintings so that our community can enjoy them for years to come,” Leavers said.
A lifelong supporter of the arts, Mrs. Preston, widow of former Township mayor George Preston, died in April at the age of 85.