After sitting in the archives of the Royal BC Museum for over 100 years, a rare painting of Captain George Vancouver has been put on display.
It's a reproduction of a painting in the British National Portrait Gallery, and was donated to the museum in 1901. They are the only 2 known portraits of the 18th century British Explorer.
Starting in 1791 Capt. Vancouver charted the northwest coast of North America, including a vast portion of BC's coastline. The journey lasted 4 1/2 years and is the longest recorded surveying expedition. Both Vancouver Island and the city of Vancouver are named for him.
The portrait is being displayed right next to the full-scale replica of his ship -- HMS Discovery -- featured inside the museum. Last this year the portrait will be moved to the museum's "Becoming B.C. gallery".