1220 Queens Ave, West Vancouver. Photo by Jennifer Clay
When you look at the house at 1220 Queens in West Vancouver, what do you see? A beautiful example of the West Coast Modern architectural style? Indeed, it is that. However, it also represents a piece of cultural heritage, as it was the home of long-time, Vancouver Sun editorial cartoonist, Len Norris, a master of political satire. And it was designed by Duncan McNab, who was a part of the West Coast Modern architectural movement that took hold of Vancouver in the 1950s and 1960s. So, this house is valuable not only for its architectural style but also for its affiliation to two individuals who were famous in their own right.
About Len Norris
Len Norris was born in London, England in 1913 and immigrated to Canada (Ontario) as a 13-year-old boy in 1926. In 1950, he was introduced by Pierre Berton to newspaper cartooning at the Vancouver Sun and moved to West Vancouver where he remained for the duration of his entire 38-year career. His last cartoon was published on December 24, 1988, when Len was 75.
Len Norris was a talented cartoonist who documented the social history of Vancouver with favourite themes targeting the Vancouver climate, the hypocrisy of politicians, and the pretension of its citizens, mostly due to their “Britishness”. Two common settings for his cartoons were the neighbourhoods of Ambleside and Dundarave, which he named Amblesnide and Tiddlycove, to make them sound more posh!
Len Norris’ Cartoons
The Lions’ Gate bridge was another common subject in his cartoons. In this cartoon published on March 30, 1963, it captures a conversation between a well-heeled West Vancouver couple who are discussing whether to take a trip into the city. Although not explicitly stated in the caption, it was a big day for people on both sides of the water as the tolls on the bridge were finally being removed. If you look closely, you will notice that the toll booths are bobbing in the water under the bridge! Len Norris loved to pack his cartoons with intricate details to force his readers to examine every inch of the cartoon in order to understand the captions.
“I shall simply stay home. After all, there’s no beastly point in going to Vancouver for nothing” – March 30, 1963 – The Vancouver Sun. Source: West Vancouver Archives. # 315.WVA.NOR
This next cartoon, published on April 26, 1955, underscores the importance of gardening to West Vancouver residents, despite the steep terrain they encountered. However, more importantly, it documents the discussions around the Pacific Great Eastern (PGE) Railway, which was undergoing an expansion of its line from Squamish to North Vancouver between 1953 and 1956, at the time this cartoon was published. The use of the word “bloomin” is a nod to the British influence felt in West Vancouver at the time.
“Mind telling us what my bloomin’ survey stakes are doing holding up your bloomin’ petunias?” – April 26, 1955 – The Vancouver Sun. Source: West Vancouver Archives. #325.WVA.NOR
Finally, on May 10, 1958, Len Norris’ illustrated personal view of his adopted province was published as a 2-page spread in Macleans magazine under the title “B.C. Sketch Book”. The 2nd page of his tribute was clearly inspired by the topography of West Vancouver as it references a “rockery garden” and the challenges of architecture and landscaping on the steep terrain of West Vancouver, where a West Coast Modern home, not unlike his own home at 1220 Queens, is depicted, hanging off a ledge, with terraced gardens descending down the hill.
B.C. Sketchbook by Len Norris. Published on May 10, 1958 in Macleans Magazine. Source: Archives at MONOVA
About the House
The house at 1220 Queens was designed by Duncan McNab for Len Norris, his wife Marguerite, and their family. It has a low, asymmetrical front-gable roof and a large cross-axis chimney. While it has a relatively modest and plain exterior at the front, the house actually descends down three levels, with large floor-to-ceiling windows at the back to take in spectacular views of the Burrard Inlet, the cities of Vancouver and Burnaby, and even Mount Baker.
Back of 1220 Queens showing the floor to ceiling windows. Photo by Jennifer Clay.
According to the City Directories, Len and Marguerite lived at 1220 Queens from 1955 to 1962. I was lucky enough to meet the current owner, who was aware that his house was originally owned by Len Norris, and who gave me permission to take photos of his house.
We were lucky, in this instance, that the provenance of the house at 1220 Queens is known. Not every heritage house has had such a famous owner or architect. However, what is certain is that heritage homes embody a sense of history through the people who lived there. If you are interested in learning more about who lived in your house, please let us know and we can show you how to use the City Directories and the wonderful resources at the North Vancouver and West Vancouver Archives.
Fast Facts
Duncan McNab graduated from the McGill School of Architecture and worked at Sharp, Thompson, Berwick and Pratt from 1945-1948 before forming his own firm in 1952.
Graham Harrop, the current Vancouver Sun editorial cartoonist, started as a copy runner at the Sun at the age of 16 and was thrilled to be working in close proximity to his idol, Len Norris.
There is a movement now to have Len Norris featured on a Canada Post stamp.
Len Norris first appears in City Directories in 1950, the same year he started at the Vancouver Sun. He lived in a number of homes at 1209 Haywood, 1220 Queens (1955-1962) , 2187 Bellevue, 3750 Edgemont Blvd, 4227 Almondel (1971-1989). All of these have been demolished except the one at 4227 Almondel.
Len Norris passed away on Aug 12, 1997 at the age of 83.
If you want to learn more about Len Norris, who influenced him, his drawing process and much more, please click here for an informative lecture given by Michael Kluckner.