British Artillery officer Alexander Cavalié Mercer is most famous in history circles for his detailed account of his experiences leading up to and including the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. Fewer know him as an amateur artist, but Mercer often composed what he called “souvenirs,” paintings and sketches of his postings in Europe and North America. While posted in Halifax, Mercer painted nearly 80 watercolours of the area between 1838 and 1842.

Halifax and Watercolour showcases 50 of Mercer’s best sketches, including paintings of the Citadel, the Commons, Artillery Park, Bedford Basin, Dartmouth, and the Northwest Arm. Additional photographs, maps, and historical context from author Glenn Devanney help the reader situate the site of the painting in the present-day.

Glenn Devanney is an amateur genealogist and first-time author. He holds degrees in geography and anthropology and is interested in how the human element changes local geography. When not working as a manager with the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation and running his four daughters to sporting events, he can be found scouring the internet for vintage images of Halifax’s history. You can visit his Devanney genealogy website at gdevanney.ca

Glenn Devanney's profile page