A bustling marketplace, a sleigh ride in the country, or a game of lacrosse were all part of the fabric of everyday life in 19th-century Canada, captured by the pen or brush of amateur and professional artists. The Peter Winkworth Collection is a treasure trove of such images.

Many of the artists were temporary residents in Canada, like the British military officers posted to Canada, who wanted mementos of the life they experienced. Others, whose work or interests took them to different parts of the country, made sketches and watercolours as visual records to be shared, exhibited or published. Still others recorded familiar views for their own enjoyment, or for their friends and family. Created for many different reasons, these watercolours and drawings capture the way of life in 18th and 19th century Canada.

This section of the exhibition is divided into several topic areas, each of which gives a sampling of the richness of the Peter Winkworth Collection. The collection reflects Mr. Winkworth’s special interest in depictions of sleighs, and of Aboriginal people, particularly from Quebec.