*Image: Uno Langmann at Canadian Antiques Roadshow 2004 viewing “Eastward Ho! August 1957”. Photo: Courtesy of Canadian Antiques Roadshow*

We would like to thank you for all of your many and heartfelt greetings, visits and stories celebrating Uno Langmann on his 90th birthday. We were touched by the overwhelming response and to the wonderful poems, good wishes, stories and anecdotes sent our way. We could not include all submissions but have compiled a selection of these for you to read below. Where authorized we have included names. Enjoy!

Ode to Uno on his 90th
If you’re ambling along Granville
And it’s something old you seek
Stop in to visit Langmann’s
Uno has just become their best antique

For Uno just turned 90
I wish him lots of fun
The best 10 years are coming
Twixt 90 and 91
I hope to be at his 100th
But we’ll have to wait and see
For when Uno turns 100
I’ll be one-oh-three
Pets could keep you happy
And keep you calm and sane
But Dianne relies on just one pet
And sticks with her Great Dane

Tillykee med fødselsdagen
Herb (Auerbach)

Thank you, Langmann Group for giving me the opportunity to share my story. It is about a Russian chandelier that has lived with us for nearly 40 years.

On one of the Saturdays we went on “expedition,” looking through the many antique stores in Vancouver, we happened across a very special item at the Uno Langmann Gallery. Amongst his then current collection of treasures was an exquisite rock crystal, coloured glass and ormolu chandelier. It was found in Toronto, after coming through Sweden from Russia. Actually, Uno had several from the same source. The collection had been boxed up for years in storage. The smallest was the one we fell in love with and arranged to take it home on approval. However it was winter and the cold January weather quickly convinced us that we needed to be more practical, return it, and buy a car with a heater that worked!

Return day came, just two weeks later, and the day after an ice storm. It was a sunny and magical day to be on the road. Anything exposed to the elements was glistening with ice crystals and every tree looked like our chandelier. By the time we arrived in the shop we decided it was more important to have the chandelier than a new car. We ended up by completing the purchase and took it back to our home. We have never regretted the decision. To keep warm I bought an Army and Navy winter coat to drive to work.

We ultimately built a dome over our dining table to accommodate our prized acquisition. My husband calls it the world’s smallest dome, but it gives the height required to appreciate the chandelier’s beauty. Our dining room became the focus of our house and now can tell decades of stories about friendship, good food and wine under 18th century candlelight. One of the stories that stands out in my mind involves our close friend, a Russian Prince, who literally blessed this beautiful piece of art made in his home land.

Thank you for the years of living with beauty.
Nan Vye

“Today we celebrate not only a remarkable milestone in years, but also a life that has enriched the world of art and antiques for more than half a century. Since opening your first antique shop in 1968 you have been a true fixture in the community - admired for your expertise, your integrity and your devotion to preserving beauty and history. Your career, your many honours, and your generous spirit of philanthropy stand as a testament to a life well lived and deeply impactful.“
Ida (Giordano)

At the turn of this millennium, I was practicing law at Goldman Sachs in New York City, and spending pretty much every weekend looking at all the art my city offered. As I was trotting about to the museums, galleries and auction houses, I could not help noticing that there was a very specific genre of art that attracted me: Nineteenth Century Danish painting and drawing. There was not much of this art to find in New York, but there was some. I started reading books on these paintings. I fell in love.

I assumed I would have no problem finding a dealer in New York City who specialized, or at least offered, Nineteenth Century Danish art. Well, no. I found just one high level gallery in my hemisphere! Uno Langmann Limited Fine Art… in Vancouver. Off I went to Vancouver!

The day I spent with Uno Langmann in his gallery in 2001 set me up for lifelong delight. He was so gentlemanly, so erudite, so generous with his time and responses to my hours of questions.

I returned to Uno Langmann Fine Art and then, at some point, wandered off on my own to pursue this interest with visits to Copenhagen, for example. I retired as a lawyer and began to draw and paint -- my artist's website specifically mentions my love of Nineteenth Century Danish artists such as Christian Kobke and Constantin Hansen. I travelled to Stockholm from New York specifically to see a museum exhibition of my Danish loves. My apartment in New York City, and my house in Chattanooga, Tennessee, have many, many Nineteenth Century works by Danish painters.

One often does not know all of the good one does, and I would like Uno to know that even just that one meeting led to so much value and pleasure in my life.

Thank you so much, Uno! Happy Birthday!!
Arline Mann

“It is a true joy to celebrate this remarkable milestone with you. Your lifelong passion for art and dedication to preserving and celebrating history have left an extraordinary legacy at UBC Library. Your generosity has enriched our collections and continues to inspire scholars, students, and the wider community.”
Susan E. Parker, University Librarian

“Thank you for your wonderful donation of historical photographs of Indigenous peoples to the UBC Library and Special Collections. I enjoyed viewing some of the originals during the Nanitch Exhibition in 2016. They are a truly significant collection of source material made available to all researchers by your generous donation.

On a personal note, thank you for allowing me to view some of these at your gallery when I was researching my book.”
Dan Savard

I first discovered the gallery and met Uno in the late 90’s. My husband Gerry and I were from Calgary, and Gerry had just started a new job at an engineering company based in Vancouver. It was his first ‘big’ job, and we were quite amazed that the company would fly all of the Calgary staff out for a week for the AGM and Christmas party. We felt extremely special! On that first visit, I started a tradition I continued every year for many, many years. I would have a leisurely hotel breakfast, then set out on a long walk, from downtown, across the Granville Bridge and all the way to Meinhardt, stopping there to buy something sweet, and then make the long walk back.

On that first trip, I discovered the gallery. I hesitated to go in because it required ringing a bell, but I mustered my courage and tried to look like I belonged there. I don’t recall who let me in, but from the moment I went in, the feeling of not belonging disappeared. On that first visit, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It felt like a museum full of treasures to me. I recall conversations with Uno, and my questions never felt stupid, and I never felt like I was bothering him. When he was busy in his office, the welcome from Jeanette and others was just as down to earth. Uno had curated a gallery full of magnificent pieces of art, but somehow still made it feel accessible. Even though I am sure Uno and Jeanette knew I was likely not going to buy anything on those first few annual visits, the welcome to browse and wonder always felt very genuine. I am not sure of the year I finally bought my first piece, but it is a tiny painting by Paul Rink called “A Quiet Moment”, and I still love it.

One very memorable conversation with Uno took place a number of years ago when I came into the gallery and he was sitting at a table near the office, polishing a small beaker. He told me that he had wanted it for years, and that he had probably paid too much for it. It was inscribed with a message of thanks from an individual who had been very ill, to the person who had cared for and nursed him. It was clearly a piece that meant a great deal to Uno. I am sure Jeanette would know the piece I am talking about. It was not large or flamboyant – a small beaker. Based on how Uno spoke of it, it was the lives, stories and heart connected to the piece that mattered.

Uno, my husband Gerry and I wish you a wonderful birthday, surrounded by family, friends and clients grateful for the beauty you have brought to their lives through both art and your kindness.

Alex Birkholz

“You have provided Jamie and I with many hours of unspoken pleasure in your gallery - guiding us over the years to many treasured pieces of furniture and art.
You are an incredible, generous friend to so many and we feel so lucky to be in your wide circle. What a fateful day when Jamie discovered your store on Richards in the early 1970’s! We feel so grateful that Uno came to Vancouver and blessed usually with his art and expertise.“
With much love Jamie and Claire (Wright)

“Wishing you well on your 90th birthday, Uno. A great achievement!
I carry many memories of working with you on the Canadian Antiques Road Show. I hope the party goes well and that you continue successfully through the next decade.”

As ever,

Christopher Lewis
ex Antiques Road Show producer.

“Sending you royal birthday wishes as you are the Royalty of Collectors and philanthropist of our Vancouver.
With warmest wishes!”
Christos & Sophie Dikeakos

”Please send my deepest admiration, love and CONGRATULATIONS to dear Uno on achieving his 90th birthday! What a wonderful achievement in a life so well lived.”
Have a good weekend and a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!
Yosef (Wosk)

“You are a great Vancouver “Institution”, keep up the great work!”
Best Sam & Patti (Gudewill)

“You have contributed so much to the cultural fabric of Vancouver. What’s more important, you are a man of good will, strong character, kind and a gentle giant.”

Love from your friends,
Arran & Ratana Stephens

“90! Wow. Uno has been a special friend of ours over the years. Many wonderful times have been shared. How could I ever forget that wild Viking stripping down and climbing a tall tree on our Saannich Inlet home- to cut some limbs for us. Then swinging back down with a cross saw and then a dive in the wintery ocean to cool down. Uno’s Danish crepes with peaches and laughter are always stored in my special memory box. Uno and me had adventures in Ireland. All in all a friendship well lived and hopefully some more memories to be made.”
Slainte to the Birthday Boy with lots of love
Will and Catherine (Millar)

“I have been coming to your gallery since I was in my 20s. Now I am in my late 50s but I sill consider myself young, or “vintage.”
You may now be in your 90s but you re still “vintage”, not quite “antique” yet!”
Wishing you forever young,
Victor Yeung

“We would like to take this opportunity to recognize the immense hard work and dedication that has gone into establishing the amazing Uno Langman gallery. The contributions he has made to the world of art are inspirational, and the gallery continues to flourish under the legacy of his vision.
We wish him many more years of good health and happiness. May the gallery continue to thrive and prosper, bringing joy and inspiration to all.”
Wishing you all the best,
Kavita and Raj Dharampuriya

“We have very fond memories of Uno and yourself and the beautiful gallery. The memories are both in my mind and in the the items that we see at home every day.
Thanks again for all that you’ve done and made possible through painstaking research and dedication to beauty and art. You are a real gentleman in every sense and the beautiful pieces we have had the privilege of obtaining from your gallery remind us of your professionalism and kindness every day.”

All the best, Shahram Malek and family

“Dear Mrs Langmann,
Thank you so much for the invitation to the celebration of Mr. Langmann’s birthday. Would you be kind enough to extend to him my warmest congratulations for this outstanding achievement.
I hope I will be in a similar condition at his age.”
Best regards,
Serge Joyal
l’Hon. Serge Joyal

“We co-existed and prospered, you in Fine Arts & Antiques,
I in handmade Jewellery and precious gems.”
Happy Birthday, Uno, from Toni Cavelti

“Buying a painting was always the most exciting acquisition to make, especially with Uno passing on his wealth of knowledge and the friendship we shared and enjoyed with all of you over the years.
It was a wonderful part of our life in Canada, which we miss now that we are here in New Zealand. Although we do get to look at all the lovely paintings we bought and remember those times.
Life is full of stages and our Vancouver years (35 years) of buying antiques and paintings was a special and exciting time, made all the more special because of our friendship.”
Kind regards, Lesley and Kelvin (Finlay)

Dear Jeanette,

The party, in celebration for your Father’s 90’s , was just the most wonderful and warm hearted event. I don’t think there has been such a nice informal group of like-minded art lovers being together since Covid times. Your Father was presiding, from his big chair, over an outstanding, highly polished, collection of sterling silver objects, furniture, First Nation objects and of course, the Paintings. It was a very happy mix of his family and his clientele. All of the homes of the guests who were there, will have at least one or two pieces from Uno’s Gallery.

Your Dad has led a happy and fulfilled life. He was looking great. Uno has made amazing contributions to UBC, played a role in its history and preserving the Heritage of Vancouver. I only have to think of his donation of photo-graphs of a very young City of Vancouver to the UBC Archives.

Thank you and all your family, for including us in this very enjoyable and memorable celebration.

Willem and Rosalie (Stronck)

*Photo: Mr. Uno Langmann, circa 1960-61, by Foncie Pulice*

From left to right: Jim Shockey & Uno, Soren & Elizabeth Hammberg with Uno, Nan Vye, Sue Cowan and Fred Granzow, Frank and Beth Anfield with Uno, Vincent Alvaro and Bill Leeb with Uno, Ingrid and Marc Parent with Uno.

Uno Langmann was born in Denmark and began collecting at the age of 8. In 1955 he converted a portion of his collection into a one-way ticket to Canada. After arriving in Vancouver he began a career in construction, but continued to study and collect fine art and antiques in his spare time. He opened his first antique shop in 1968 and has been a fixture of the art and antique market since. Today the internationally recognized gallery on South Granville is Canada’s foremost specialist in European and North American paintings, antique furniture, silver and objets d’art of the finest quality.

Uno has participated in and been on the vetting committees of fine art fairs across North America. He made a series of guest appearances on the CBC’s Bob Switzer Show in the mid 1970’s and is an expert on CBC’s Canadian Antiques Roadshow. Between 1979 and 1981 Uno Langmann established Sotheby Parke Bernet in Vancouver and became Sotheby’s sole representative in the Northwest. He is Past President and a member of The Canadian Antique Dealers Association, a founding member of the Canadian Association of Personal Property Appraisers and a member of the Art Dealers Association of Canada.

The British Columbia Entrepreneurial Award honoured Uno Langmann in 1994 for Highest Retail Honours and Excellence in Business Management. In 2007 the Art Dealers Association of Canada awarded him their Lifetime Achievement Award. In May 2015 he received an honourary degree, Doctor of Laws, from the University of British Columbia.

Uno Langmann has a long history of philanthropy, including donations of a seventeenth century Japanese screen from the Frank Lloyd Wright Collection to the Victoria Art Gallery, 35 works by Charles John Collings to the Vancouver Art Gallery, 5 works by Sybil Andrews to the Campbell River Arts Council and over 22,000 historical photographs from the Pacific Northwest to the UBC Library and Special Collections. UBC Library is currently digitizing the collection toward further education at UBC and in 2016 Presentation House in North Vancouver held the exhibition “Nanitch” specifically highlighting a portion of the photographs.