The gallery displays 65 of William E. deGarthe’s paintings and sculptures, all of which were donated by his wife P. Agnes deGarthe in 1993. The pieces follow deGarthe’s progression as a marine artist and sculptor.
Included in the display are deGarthe’s own depictions of Peggy, one of the possible namesakes for Peggy’s Cove, who, as the “keeper of the bounty” is always depicted carrying a basket containing fish.
“Out of the Mist”, a painting of a schooner emerging from heavy fog, and one of deGarthe’s most famous pieces, is said by Biographer Douglas Pope to “owe its existence to two worlds, the seen and the unseen, the world of fact and the world of fancy”.
deGarthe’s other pieces portray the vanishing way of life at sea that so many Nova Scotians once knew and lived. Schooners cutting through rough water, and fishing villages packed with fishing vessels, filled with life and activity.
Located outside of the gallery in deGarthe’s former backyard is the 100ft (31m) long “Fisherman’s Monument”, sculpted by deGarthe out of granite, which serves as a lasting monument to the fishermen of Nova Scotia. Learn about the tools which were used by deGarthe to cut through the harder-than-steel granite inside of the gallery. Also located inside the gallery is information about deGarthe and his life as an artist and resident of Peggy’s Cove.
Please visit the Peggy’s Cove VIC for group inquiries & access.
Date Details/Hours of Operation
Please visit the Visitor Information Centre across the road to learn more and to arrange a tour. Advance notice recommended for group requests.
