Colville House, located at 76 York Street was purchased by Mount Allison University in 1981. Alex Colville, his wife Rhoda, and their four children lived in this house from 1949 to 1973.  The house opened in 2009 to the public featuring Collville's life and works. In the attic of this house Alex Colville painted many of his famous paintings.

David Alexander Colville, a graduate of Mount Allison University's Fine Arts program (1942), served as a war artist during the second World War.

Alex Colville's contribution to Mount Allison University is very significant. He taught Fine Arts courses at Mount Allison. He was commissioned to paint a mural about the history of Mount Allison, which still exists in Tweedie Hall.

His famous triptych, 'Athletes' (1960) was installed in the new Athletics building that opened in 1961. Over the years this painting inspired generations of athletes. This triptych was removed from the gym due to concerns related to damage from humidity. It is now in the Owen's Art Gallery.

For more information consult, 'People of the Tantramar' by Charlie Scobie (pg 91-92)