Horton painting links two historic voyages through Northwest Passage

Artist John Horton presents his painting of HMS Erebus to the Commander of HMCS DeWolf, Cdr Cory Gleason. Photo by Corporal Simon Arcand, Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician

Elizabeth Murray
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Delta marine artist John Horton could not have imagined his painting of the Franklin Expedition’s HMS Erebus would one day hang aboard HMCS Harry DeWolf.

In 2014, inspired by discovery of the wrecked Franklin ship, Horton painted a rendition of HMS Erebus.

Harry DeWolf sailed into Vancouver Harbour Oct. 1 having completed the first Northwest Passage transit by a Canadian naval vessel since 1954.

Horton presented his painting to Harry DeWolf’s Commanding Officer, Cdr Corey Gleason, and his crew at the end of a three-day Royal Canadian Navy Canadian Leaders at Sea (CLaS) outreach program in which he participated.

John Horton’s special interest in the Arctic prompted a conversation with Cdr Gleason where they discussed at length the ill-fated Franklin Expedition and how Harry DeWolf had followed Franklin’s tragic path.

“Hearing how the ship anchored near the wreck sites enabling visits to graves of the crew, was an unparalleled privilege,” Horton said. “It was gratifying to learn that the ship’s company of approximately 87 sailors had become fully engaged with the history of the 1848 Expedition and gained a huge respect for those who had gone before.”

Canadian Leaders at Sea aboard Harry DeWolf

Horton was invited to join a group of 15 Canadian community leaders, who boarded Canada’s newest warship at Lower Lonsdale’s Burrard Dry Dock Pier in North Vancouver and sailed to Victoria’s Ogden Point.

This Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is the lead ship of its Class and one of six built, or under construction, to ensure Canada’s Arctic interests are secure. These patrol vessels are designed to operate anywhere in the world, but especially in first-year ice of up to 1.5 metres thick. Unlike icebreaking vessels that normally operate only in icy waters, this new ship can operate in a wider range of conditions.

During the voyage to Victoria, the CLaS group learned to appreciate the ship’s capabilities. While transiting the Gulf of Georgia and Haro Strait, the crew carried out in-depth demonstrations of search and rescue, firefighting, damage control, and weapons firing.

At the conclusion of the Canadian Leaders at Sea event, participants were asked to involve their communities in furthering awareness of the part played by the RCN in ensuring Canada secures its position and respect internationally. 

To record this historic voyage, Horton is now working on a painting of Harry DeWolf in an Arctic setting.

John Horton resides in Tsawwassen and is captain of the 52-foot Delta Lifeboat stationed in Ladner. He is a current recipient of The Order of British Columbia.

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