Jane Shaw Law (nee Jane Brumm Shaw) was born in 1917, and was a painter who was best known for her watercolours. Originally from Maine, she grew up in a very artistic environment. She studied in Quebec City at l’École des Beaux Arts under Elliot O’Hara, and married C. Anthony Law in 1942. The couple travelled extensively and settled in the Halifax area, Nova Scotia. Jane taught throughout her life, including at the Nova Scotia Ladies College, and was very involved in the Nova Scotian arts community. She was named a Nova Scotia artist and her works were included in many exhibitions. She died aged 92 in March 2010.

C. Anthony (Tony) Law was born in England in 1916, and raised in Quebec. He grew up in a wealthy family with a history of both military and artistic involvement. Tony was an artist who painted in a style reminiscent of the Group of Seven, as well as a decorated officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. During his service in World War II, Tony was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross. He was also appointed as an official War Artist and documented many events in oil paintings and sketches. After the war, much of Tony’s service took place in the Arctic, which features heavily in his paintings and photographs. After his retirement from the RCN, Tony became very involved in the Saint Mary’s community, where he was an instructor in the Department of Continuing Education as well as being the Artist-in-Residence. Tony eventually fully retired but continued to paint and be extremely active along with Jane in the Halifax and Nova Scotia arts community. Tony exhibited his works in many different venues.

The couple never had children, but were surrounded by a tight-knit group of friends and family. They were well-known for their warmth and hospitality, particularly at their beautiful residence they designed and built at 8 Halls Road, Boulderwood. Tony passed away on his 80th birthday in 1996, and upon Jane’s death their home and many belongings were left to Saint Mary’s University.