The Navy: A Century in Art
A Canadian Navy

Canada's navy is an important national institution. It is an influential presence in many Canadian communities and is a historic and influential symbol of nationhood. For many Canadians, the navy is a focus of passion, pride, and service.

Barrington Street Patrol, Halifax
Painted by Thomas (Tom) Wood in 1945

As Canada's principal navy town, Halifax has been home to thousands of sailors since the colonial period.

Barrington Street, pictured here, runs for several kilometers along the harbour's south side and through the downtown core. In a city crowded with up to 50,000 military personnel during the Second World War, Barrington Street hosted a thriving, boisterous nightlife.

Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
CWM 19710261-4842