The Winkworth Collection

In the Spring of 2015, we collaborated with the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and a group of Nova Scotian philanthropists led by John Risley to acquire paintings, prints and cultural objects from the collection of Peter Winkworth, a wealthy Englishman who had spent his life amassing an extraordinary collection of Canadian paintings and cultural objects. The thirteen items acquired for the people of Nova Scotia were both rare and iconic, and illuminated important aspects of Nova Scotia’s history and culture.

This is a very rare example of a 17th century French period representation of a Mi’kmaq family in an ocean-going canoe in the waters off Cape Breton. It illustrates an important aspect of our province’s maritime heritage. 

Mi'kmaq family in an ocean-going canoe
Mi’kmaq family in an ocean-going canoe

We also acquired this extraordinary view of Pictou Harbour in 1830. In foreground, the Richard Smith the first steam mail packet/passenger ferry to PEI from Pictou is illustrated:

Pictou Harbour in 1830
Pictou Harbour in 1830

We also acquired this heat-of-the-battle scene on the deck of the USS Chesapeake as she was being taken by the crew of the HMCS Shannon

Heat-of-the-battle scene on the deck of the USS Chesapeake
Heat-of-the-battle scene on the deck of the USS Chesapeake

Peter Winkworth spent his life amassing an extraordinary collection of Canadian paintings and cultural objects. The thirteen items acquired by Nova Scotian philanthropists for the people of Nova Scotia were both rare and iconic, and illuminated important aspects of Nova Scotia’s history and culture.