“Dorothy, Running into Sansum Narrows” depicts the gaff-rigged sloop in a stiff breeze, echoing her 128 years on these waters, and her recent refit and summer operations in the Salish Sea. 

Mar 25, 2025

Art lovers, historic vessel enthusiasts, and marine history buffs: prepare yourselves for 4 April 2025.  

The Maritime Museum of BC is thrilled to announce a retrospective exhibition of marine paintings by John Horton, titled: 
The Marine Art of John Horton: from Nine to Ninety. It will run from 4 April – 1 June 2025, filling the museum’s entire gallery at 744 Douglas Street with works exemplifying Horton’s signature detail and unmatched historical accuracy.   

About the Exhibit 

“This exhibit is an incredible boon for Victoria,” said Collections and Exhibits Manager Heather Feeney, “Horton’s devotion to perfectionism, his technical and historical accuracy, and his deep connection with the stories of the vessels he depicts is evident in even one example of his work. The opportunity to view a retrospective exhibition is a rare dream for anyone with an appreciation for marine art.” 

One special piece joining the exhibition is a new oil painting of the MMBC’s 1897 sailing vessel
Dorothy.

“Dorothy, Running into Sansum Narrows” depicts the gaff-rigged sloop in a stiff breeze, echoing her 128 years on these waters, and her recent refit and summer operations in the Salish Sea. 

Dorothy –the vessel–won a prestigious international “Best Restored Sailing Vessel under 40 feet” at the Classic Boat Awards in 2024, along with a Victoria Classic Boat Festival award during the 2024 Festival. Her refit was a shared effort amongst so many Dorothy supporters: it started with shipwright and artist Tony Grove, and was completed by the dedicated volunteers at Ladysmith Maritime Society led by boatwright and historian Robert Lawson.  

“A single painting embodies so much maritime history and so many stories,” said Feeney, “we’re delighted that Horton’s beautiful oil paintings will be right here in Victoria this Spring at the Maritime Museum of BC.” 

About John Horton O.B.C., C.S.M.A. 
John Horton is a noted maritime artist and founding member of the Canadian Society of Marine Artists, a member of the Federation of Canadian Artists, the Honourable Company of Master Mariners of Canada, the Royal Naval Sailing Association and a lifeboat commander with the Canadian Lifeboat Institution. He is a recipient of the Order of British Columbia.

Information for the Public 

Exhibit Dates: 4 April – 1 June, 2025 

Location: 744 Douglas Street 

Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM 

Plan Your Visit

Admission Rates:  

Adult – $10.00  

Senior/Student – $8.00  

Youth (12-17) – $5.00  

Child (under 12) – Free 

Indigenous Peoples – Free 

Designated Aides – Free