S p r i n g & S u m m e r 2 0 2 1 new s l e t t er
Spring & Summer 2021 IN REVIEW Summer is finally here and the sun is shining across the country! It has been wonderful to welcome many of you back into the Heffel galleries over the last few months and see our cities come alive again. We missed experiencing outstanding works of art with all of you, and look forward to making new memories together as the world continues to restore itself. Following a year of transformation, the art market continues to prove itself strong and resilient, and has brought joy to collectors and enthusiasts during a challenging and unprecedented time. We have seen works by prominent artists reach new heights, important institutions and organizations join forces across all facets of the industry and major developments in the way art is presented and enjoyed, and so much more. Heffel’s marquee live auction on June 23 showcased more than 90 exceptional artworks to an entirely virtual audience, tuning in from countries across the globe. Featuring a three-city broadcast from our salerooms in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, the auction seamlessly brought together the live and digital experience. It was an unforgettable evening for bidders and viewers, highlighted by incredible works of art and accompanying entertainment. This reimagined format was a first in the Canadian market, and we are proud to be paving the way as the auction world experiences a new era. Museum-quality examples by important artists took centre stage, and new benchmarks were set across all areas of the market. It was truly an honour to share the magic of the two Emily Carr masterpieces that led Heffel’s spring auction. Tossed by the Wind, a dynamic 1939 forest scene, was among the finest and most sought-after works to ever come to market by the BC artist. The matureperiod canvas drew interest from around the world, and ultimately surpassed the $3 million mark. Swirl, a 1937 masterwork, dazzled collectors with its energetic forest composition and sterling provenance, having once been owned by Carr’s cherished friend and supporter Lawren Harris. The painting eclipsed pre-sale estimates and sold for a noteworthy $2,341,250. Both of these canvases are
remarkable, and Heffel will forever cherish the opportunity of finding them both wonderful new homes. Heffel is very proud to be the leading seller of works by Emily Carr globally, and has sold the top 15 most valuable works by Carr ever offered at auction. Our online auctions have also performed exceptionally well in 2021 thus far. We presented a number of well-received auctions over the last few months, and with much success. Highlights included Folk Art, First Nations & Inuit Art, Pop Art Prints & International
ABOVE: e MILY cARR, Tossed by the Wind oil on canvas, 1939 32 1/8 × 27 1/4 inches Sold June 23, 2021 for $3,121,250
Graphics and The Group of Seven & Their Contemporaries. Heffel is currently accepting consignments for all of the great auctions that we have lined up for the fall, including Canadian, Impressionist and Modern Art, Post-War & Contemporary Art, Pop Art Prints