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Library and Archives Canada Remembers Peter Winkworth, C.M. (1929-2005)

Ottawa, August 29, 2005 - As a teenager in Montréal in the 1940s, Peter Winkworth made his first acquisition of a set of early Canadian prints at the suggestion of his uncle. From that moment on Mr. Winkworth embarked upon a life-long quest to collect and preserve a visual record of Canada's history. He did succeed in his quest and, through the years, amassed one of the most comprehensive collections of Canadiana.

Peter Winkworth, scholar, historian and passionate collector passed away on August 20, 2005, at his home in London, England. Throughout his life, driven by his passion for Canadian art, Mr. Winkworth began collecting prints, drawings, watercolours, oil paintings and other objects that documented over five decades of Canadian history. He shared his collection with Canadians, loaning works to several important exhibitions and helping to repatriate these works to major Canadian institutions. In 1983, Peter Winkworth received the Order of Canada for his contribution to Canada's cultural heritage.

In 2001, Library and Archives Canada acquired more than 700 watercolours and drawings, 3,200 prints and nine oil paintings from Mr. Winkworth's collection, representing one of the largest and most important collections the institution has ever acquired.

"The Peter Winkworth Collection of Canadiana not only demonstrates the passion of an individual, but also gives life and immediacy to the stories of our past," said Ian E. Wilson, Librarian and Archivist of Canada.

The Peter Winkworth Collection of Canadiana exhibitions-a series of five regional exhibitions will soon be touring Canada. The first of these travelling exhibitions Loyal She Remains - Ontario will open September 23 at the McMichael Gallery, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, near Toronto.

"The collection, now preserved for future generations, attests to Peter Winkworth's expertise and his passion for history," added Mr. Wilson.

The Peter Winkworth Collection of Canadiana can be explored online at Library and Archives Canada website www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/art.

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Information:
Pauline M. Portelance
Media Relations Officer
Library and Archives Canada
613-996-6128

For historical information visit: Archived What's New