Collections

About our Collections

Archives collection

The collections of the Region of Peel Archives form the official archival repository of Peel Region and its member municipalities of Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon. We collect, preserve, and provide access to a wide range of government and non-government records constituting the rich documentary heritage of Peel. The Archives is open by appointment only. To learn more, access Archives Research and Services. 

Art Gallery and Museum collections

The Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) collections were established by the 1950s.

It all started with a small number of artworks, objects, and historical documents gathered from the Peel community (Cities of Mississauga and Brampton, and the Town of Caledon) and the private holdings of Peel historian William Perkins Bull (1870–1948).

PAMA’s collections have grown to include historical and contemporary materials that document and reflect the rich history, diversity, and culture of Peel. The art collection also includes work created by Canadian and internationally significant artists.

PAMA’s collections are accessible to everyone, encouraging learning and enjoyment through exhibitions, educational initiatives, public programs, and our online database.

David Somers Works on Paper

David Somers, Curator and Manager of the Peel Heritage Complex (now PAMA) from 1989 - 2007 was instrumental in shaping the direction of the organization, in particular, its outstanding collection of art.  Before his untimely death in 2009, David established a Works on Paper Endowment Fund to ensure the collection would continue to grow in this key area.

Works on paper in PAMA's collection feature over 3,000 prints, drawings, paintings, and photographs by contemporary and historic artists.  The Works on Paper Gallery showcases this part of the permanent collection in thematic exhibitions, including works given in memory of late Curator David Somers, as well as new acquisitions purchased with the support of the David Somers Works on Paper Endowment Fund.

Caroline and Franklin Armington

Brampton-born Caroline Armington and her husband Frank were Canadian artists who enjoyed successful careers in Europe during the early part of the 20th century. 

Prints and paintings by the Armingtons have been collected by many international galleries including the Louvre and the Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as the National Gallery of Canada. Owing to a major acquisition in 1981, PAMA holds the largest public collection of Armington prints in the world.

Read the Peel Archives Blog's article about Caroline Armington, her art, and her archival records.

Donate to our collections

All objects proposed for acquisition are assessed against specific criteria. PAMA considers an object’s physical condition, documentation, and relevance to PAMA's Collections Management Policy. If we are unable to accept your donation, we will do our best to refer you to another museum or archive, whose mission is more closely aligned to your objects.

The Art Gallery and Museum are temporarily not accepting donations at this time. We are currently in the process of updating our collections strategy and are also making improvements to our collection’s storage facilities.