Donald Cameron Mackay

Artist Bio: Donald Cameron Mackay (1906-1979)

Donald Cameron MacKay was a well-known artist in Nova Scotia. He studied at the Nova Scotia College of Art and at the Chelsea Polytechnic in London, the Académie Colarossi in Paris, and the University of Toronto. Following his studies, MacKay spent some years in England working as an illustrator for British publishers.

He served in the Royal Canadian Navy in World War II and was appointed an Official War Artist (1943-1944). Following his war service, MacKay became Principal of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (1945-1966).

In addition to being a painter and illustrator, MacKay was a good printmaker and he also authored several books. MacKay was a significant factor in the developing the art scene in Nova Scotia following world War II when it grew from a small parochial community to a large vibrant centre of artists, galleries, and collectors with a national reputation.