You've probably seen many paintings of Peggy's Cove. Famed marine artist and sculptor William deGarthe may have painted some of these works.[1]
Born in Finland in 1907, deGarthe came to Canada in 1926, eventually settling in Halifax. An art teacher and commercial artist, deGarthe spent many summers in Peggy's Cove painting both the stark coastline and the people who live and work here. In fact, deGarthe was so taken with the beauty of this seaside community that he made it his home.
Today, deGarthe's paintings can be found in many homes and galleries, and at the deGarthe Gallery here in Peggy's Cove.[2] The gallery was built onto deGarthe's former house next to one of his best-known works - The Fishermen's Monument, which he worked on until his death in 1983. Carved from a 30-metre (0.01-mile) outcrop of granite in his backyard, the monument pays tribute to the hard-working fishermen of the community and their families. It is also a tribute to 'Peggy,' a young woman who, as legend has it, married and settled here after surviving a shipwreck. So popular was the story of this young woman that some people say the cove was named for her, and deGarthe frequently celebrated this legendary woman in his work.
William E. deGarthe
(1907-1983) The renowned sculptor and painter William Edward deGarthe emigrated
from his native Finland to Canada in 1926. Most of his work is devoted to marine subjects.
deGarthe's Studio
This modest building was, for many years, deGarthe's studio. During that time, he created and displayed much of his work here.
A Vision Takes Shape
While he's widely known as an accomplished painter, deGarthe was also a highly skilled sculptor. Like his paintings, many of his sculptures were inspired by this community and the people who lived here.
A Coat of Many Colours
Almost as colourful as his acclaimed seascapes is the smock that deGarthe wore while creating them.
Artist In Action [1]
Does this painting look familiar?
Look below and you'll see it is the same one that deGarthe is painting. You'll find this seascape displayed at the deGarthe Gallery here in Peggy's Cove.
[2] deGarthe Gallery
To explore more of deGarthe's work, please visit the deGarthe Gallery here in Peggy's Cove.
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