Artist Info
Peter Whyte
Peter Whyte was born in Banff, Alberta in 1905. He attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, where he met the woman who would become his wife – Catharine Rob – who was a fellow student. The two continued their artistic pursuits together. Both were avid artists, photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, philanthropists and cultural workers in Banff.
They painted together, discovering the impressive landscapes of the mountains and meeting and painting portraits of the Stoney Indian people. Peter worked exclusively in oil; his paintings colourful and containing the full force and energy of the mountains.
The Whytes also enjoyed helping young people and friends pursue their own artistic careers. In the 1950s, they established the Wa-Che-Yo-Cha-Pa Foundation, which became the Peter and Catharine Whyte Foundation. The Foundation’s goal was to protect and preserve the heritage of the Canadian Rockies. The Foundation was also responsible for the Archives of the Canadian Rockies, the Peter Whyte Gallery and Banff Heritage Homes. Much of Peter’s work resides in the permanent collection of the Whyte Foundation.
Peter passed away in 1966.
