Remembering Peter Barlow

Peter Barlow — a marine photographer, musician, painter, storyteller; avid collector of books, musical instruments and artifacts from around the world, and a link to Westport’s legacy as an arts colony — died August 24. He was 95,

His daughter Dorrie Barlow Thomas writes:

Peter lived a long and happy life, full of interesting and unique experiences. He died exactly as he wished to, in his home surrounded by his beloved things, peacefully in his sleep while his daughter held his hand.

He contributed weekly to “06880”‘s online art gallery, until the last week of his life.

Peter Barlow, in 2023.

Peter was born and raised in Westport. He grew up in a home filled with creativity. Both his parents were artists.

His father, Perry Barlow, was a prolific cover illustrator and cartoonist for The New Yorker. His mother, Dorothy Hope Smith, was a portraitist specializing in children. Her most famous work was the illustration of the Gerber Baby. (Click here for Peter’s recounting of that tale, 10 years ago.)

Peter’s skills included painting, playing the trumpet and piano, lettering, and particularly photography — especially boats of all kinds.

Out on the water in his motorboat named Focus, camera in hand, the lighting, shapes and interplay between them fueled his talent.

Peter’s photographs were published in every major boating magazine. He was especially known for his monthly photo essay in Soundings (during its newspaper days). He published a book, “The Marine Photography of Peter Barlow,” in the 1970s.

Being on his boat was where he felt most alive. In a photography career that spanned 7 decades, Peter still zoomed about the Sound until he was 92.

No one who saw a man at the helm, racing Focus across the bow of an oncoming boat to get the shot he wanted at just the right angle, would have guessed his age.

Peter started out as a painter, often using images of musicians and instruments in his work. When he became interested in boats as subjects, he took photos to use as references.

A boat owner asked to buy one of those photos. Peter realized this was an opportunity, because owners seldom see their beloved boats in action. His career was born.

He was also a collector of many things, beginning at a young age. At 10 or 11 Peter rode his bike to other towns, visiting obscure shops that sold figurines and artifacts from other countries. His goal was to have one object from every country. His vast collection far surpassed that.

In his 20s and 30s he was a trumpet player in local jazz bands, mostly improvising. Over the years he became interested in a broad range of music — not just playing it but hearing it.

He amassed a collection of more than 12,000 LPs. If you had a yard sale during the 1980s or ’90s Peter was probably there.

In his younger years, Peter fought social injustices on a local scale. Working to integrate establishments around Westport and neighboring towns, he and his friends created situations in which business owners might demonstrate their biases. If circumstances warranted, Peter and friends took those businesses to court — and won.

His support for social justice efforts continued throughout his life.

Peter was creative in nearly every aspect of his life. The world saw his photographs and his paintings, but his family and friends knew him primarily as a collector and storyteller.

They enjoyed his whimsically decorated house, filled to the brim with his things.

Peter viewed every surface — walls, shelves, tabletops, cabinet doors, bathrooms, stairways — as places to set up a composition of interesting objects.

Even storage boxes got creative treatment; every one was labeled with an artfully crafted, professional-level lettering job. Within his family he was famous for his unique handmade cards and creative gift wrapping.

All photos and artwork by Peter Barlow.

Peter lived in Westport from birth until age 75. He then moved to the Mystic area, to be close to his daughter and her family.

Peter is survived by his daughter Dorrie and her husband David; grandchildren Sierra (Yosdany), Bailey (Luke), Lindy, Noah and Hannah; great-grandchildren Luna and Oscar, and step-children Robin, John and Becky Frey. He was predeceased by his older brother, Collins Barlow.

The family will have a private gathering honoring Peter, as he would have preferred. His family will gather around their big dinner table, enjoying cheese and crackers, telling stories, sharing memories, and raising glasses in a toast to him.

Peter Barlow in 2002, with his first 2 granddaughters.