Thomas Burrowes is a well-known artist in Ottawa. He made a significant contribution to preserving history. During the construction of the Rideau Canal, when the settlement of Bytown was just beginning to take shape, he captured the canal’s construction, early Ottawa landscapes, and the development of the small town that would later become Canada’s capital in his watercolour paintings. More on Ottawa1.one.
The Life of Thomas Burrowes
The artist Thomas Burrowes was born in England in 1796. At the age of 17, he decided to join the Royal Corps of Engineers, serving in the Sappers and Miners division. Two years later, he was deployed to Canada. Initially stationed in Kingston, he was assigned to work on the Rideau Canal when its construction began in 1826.
Burrowes worked on the military canal project for about twenty years, from 1826 to 1846. Over this period, he held various roles, including surveyor, clerk, and overseer. He also served as an assistant to the chief engineer overseeing the canal’s construction. Notably, Burrowes was among the first settlers in Bytown to claim land and build his own home. His residence was located on Wellington Street, where, in the 21st century, the grand complex of the Canadian Parliament now stands.
Following the completion of the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Burrowes retired in 1846.
The Family of Thomas Burrowes
After moving to Canada in 1819, Thomas Burrowes met his love, Grace Rogers, and they married immediately. Over seven years, the couple had three sons. When the Rideau Canal project began, and Burrowes was called to work, his entire family relocated to the new settlement of Bytown. There, the couple welcomed their fourth son, whom they named after the Royal Engineer overseeing the canal’s construction—John By. However, young John By Burrowes’ life ended in tragedy; he passed away just seven months after his birth. In 1827, his mother, Grace Rogers, also died.
Burrowes did not consider remarrying for another ten years. Eventually, he met Margaret Morrison, a widow with seven children—six daughters and one son.
After retiring, Burrowes became a farmer. He also worked occasionally as a postmaster and magistrate in Kingston. He passed away in 1866 at the age of 69.
The Artistic Legacy of Thomas Burrowes
Throughout his life, Thomas Burrowes had a deep passion for painting. He depicted landscapes, nature, and various scenes on canvas. After moving to Canada, he dedicated more time to his artistic pursuits, painting everything he saw to capture the old landscapes of Ottawa for history. He exclusively used watercolours for his paintings.
His most valuable works are those created during the construction of the Rideau Canal. Through his paintings, we can trace the development of the settlement and the events of that era.
After his death in 1866, Burrowes’ paintings remained undiscovered until 1907, when one of his daughters found them in the family home’s attic. In 1948, his grandson donated them to the Ontario Archives—one of the most significant historical donations in Canadian history. Today, his paintings are among the most famous historical depictions in the country.
Thomas Burrowes left an incredible mark on Ottawa’s history. Thanks to his paintings, 21st-century residents can visualize the construction of one of Canada’s most significant military engineering projects.
