S p r i n g & S u m m e r 2 0 2 6 new s l e t t er
Spring & Summer 2026 IN REVIEW
Ta k ao Tanab e Inside Passage 12/98: In Grenville Channel acrylic on canvas, 1998 52 × 93 inches Estimate: $80,000 – $120,000 Sold May 21, 2026 for a record $511,250
A Monumental Season The first half of 2026 was defined by significant collections, a robust and passionate auction market, and continued enthusiasm for exceptional works of art. Across our live and online auctions and private sales, collectors from around the world demonstrated a strong appetite for freshto-market masterpieces, while important institutional partnerships and landmark consignments reinforced Heffel’s position at the forefront of the Canadian art market. From record-setting auctions to remarkable collections and memorable discoveries,
the following pages highlight some of the moments that defined the season and set the stage for an exciting second half of the year.
Spring Live Auction Highlights The enthusiasm surrounding our Spring Live Auction was evident long before the first lot crossed the auction block. Beginning with our preview exhibitions in Calgary and continuing through Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, thousands of visitors experienced the outstanding works on offer first-hand. From long-time collectors to first-time buyers, each stop demonstrated the passion surrounding the selection of works. The excitement was evident when the bidding opened in our Toronto saleroom on May 21, with spirited competition from collectors across Canada and worldwide. The sale realized more than $22.5 million, reflecting
continued strength in the market and the demand for rare, museum-quality works with exceptional provenance. The Spring Live Auction achieved an outstanding 95 per cent sell-through rate, the highest in the Canadian auction market, with an average price per lot of $296,482. Throughout the evening, bidders competed enthusiastically for many of the finest works to appear on the market in recent years. The season was defined by unforgettable moments, led by the record-breaking sale of E.J. Hughes’s canvas Coastal Boats Near Sidney, BC (1948), which realized $5.7 million and established a new world auction record for the artist. Standout results for works by Tom Thomson, Jean Paul Riopelle, Alex Colville and A.J. Casson and a fitting new auction record for Takao Tanabe further demonstrated the depth and vitality of today’s Canadian art market.
The Gary Bell Collection: Masterworks of Northwest Coast Art, and Northern Horizons: Canadian Landscapes by Doris McCarthy.
Private Sales Beyond our auction platform, Heffel’s Private Sale department continued to connect collectors this season with exceptional works of art through thoughtfully curated exhibitions and year-round opportunities. A highlight of the Spring season was our special dual exhibition by Ross Penhall, presented simultaneously in our Toronto and Vancouver galleries. Near Algonquin, Notes from a Tin Boat and Closer to Home, Notes from Another Boat explored two distinct Canadian landscapes through the artist’s unique perspective. After the two successful exhibitions, select examples from the shows remain available for sale.
Heffel Foundation
E dwa r d John ( E.J.) Hughes Coastal Boats Near Sidney, BC oil on canvas, 1948 36 1/8 × 48 1/8 inches Estimate: $1,250,000 – $1,750,000 Sold May 21, 2026 for a record $5,701,250
Collections of Distinction The spring auction season also celebrated the remarkable collections and stories behind the works themselves. Heffel was honoured to present artworks from significant institutional, corporate and private collections, continuing a tradition of bringing works of outstanding quality and provenance to the market. A major highlight has been the continuation of Heffel’s landmark sale of the Hudson’s Bay Company Collection. Multiple dedicated online auctions throughout the first half of 2026 achieved a 100 per cent sell-through rate, following the record-breaking sales in the fall, while introducing thousands of historic objects to collectors around the world. Among the many highlights was the rediscovery and sale of Sir Peter Lely’s canvas His Royal Highness Prince Rupert in the May live auction. The beautifully painted portrait was said to have been gifted to the Company upon its foundation in 1670 by the prince himself. Newly attributed to Lely following extensive research, this painting added another fascinating chapter to the history of the collection. We were honoured to partner with Emily Carr University of Art + Design in presenting the record-breaking E.J. Hughes canvas
Coastal Boats Near Sidney, BC. This Hughes masterpiece was donated to the university by the Peter and Joanne Brown Foundation. Consignor proceeds from the sale will establish a student endowment in honour of E.J. Hughes, reflecting the university’s mission to invest in the next century of art and design education. The spring season was further distinguished by the important collection of Quebec cultural icon Luc Plamondon, as well as additional works from the collections of Dr. Luigi Rossi, Torben V. Kristiansen and the Barbeau Owen Foundation, among others. Together, these collections underscore the confidence that institutions, corporations, estates and private collectors continue to place in Heffel to steward their artworks.
Online Auctions In addition to our semi-annual live auctions, Heffel’s monthly online sales play an important role in the Canadian art market. Carefully curated and offered year-round, these auctions connect global collectors with a fresh selection of works across a wide range of categories, making it easier and more accessible than ever to discover works of art at every level of the market. This spring’s online calendar included time-honoured favourites such as The Group of Seven & Their Contemporaries, Pop Art Prints & International Graphics, and an incredible selection of Asian Art, alongside specialty sessions including Works by W.J. Phillips from the Collection of Lillian Mayland McKimm,
Through the Heffel Foundation, we are proud to continue supporting exhibitions that celebrate Canada’s artistic legacy and make incredible artworks accessible to the public. This summer, we encourage you to visit three outstanding exhibitions made possible with foundation support: Helen McNicoll: An Impressionist Journey, at the National Gallery of Canada (until October 12); Takao Tanabe: Inside Passage, at the Audain Art Museum (until October 19); and David Blackwood: Myth & Legend, at the Art Gallery of Ontario (until Si r P e t e r L e ly His Royal Highness Prince Rupert oil on canvas, circa 1665 49 3/4 × 38 inches Estimate: $100,000 – $150,000 Sold May 21, 2026 for $217,250
July 26). These exhibitions offer wonderful opportunities to experience the work of three exceptional Canadian artists and are well worth adding to your summer plans.
Looking Ahead The months ahead promise another actionpacked season at Heffel, with a full slate of
online auctions and our highly anticipated Fall Live Auction. Collectors can look forward to upcoming sales featuring significant Canadian and International art, important private collections and fresh-to-market discoveries. Whether you are building a collection, considering a consignment or simply exploring the market, we invite you to connect with one of our specialists to discuss your collecting goals.
Alf red Joseph (A.J.) Casso n, Autumn on the York River oil on canvas, 1959 36 × 45 inches Estimate: $200,000 – $300,000 Sold for $931,250 (including Buyer’s Premium)
i n v i tat i o n t o c o n s i g n We are now accepting artworks for our fall auctions, including: Post-War & Contemporary Art Canadian, Impressionist & Modern Art International Graphics & Pop Art Prints Asian Art and more Heffel auctions are inclusive of international works of art
Thank you to our consignors, collectors and partners for making the first half of 2026 so very memorable. We wish you all a fantastic summer ahead and look forward to sharing another exciting season with you.
AUC T ION RE S U LT S S p rin g & s U M M E R 2 0 2 6 The following Lots were sold at the prices stated. Lot numbers that are omitted represent items which were withdrawn, passed or unsold as of the publication of this list. Prices include Buyer’s Premium. Heffel Fine Art Auction House is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. All content in this newsletter is subject to our published Terms and Conditions of Business and our Catalogue Terms.
O v e r a ll S p r i n g & sUMMER
Live Auction (May 21, 2026)
2 0 2 6 S a l e T o ta l :
$22,532,624
Post-War & Contemporary Art
$13,101,374
Old Master, Impressionist & Modern Art
$9,431,250
Online Auctions (May to June 2025)
$3,468,903
HBC Online Auctions
$5,468,594
Overall Spring/Summer Sale Total (including Buyer’s Premium)
$31,470,121
Date of Publication
July 6, 2026
$3 1 , 470 ,12 1 (i n c l u d i n g B u y e r ’ s P r e m i u m)
L O T NO . PRICE
L O T NO . PRICE
L O T NO . PRICE
L O T NO . PRICE
L O T NO . PRICE
L O T NO . PRICE
1
$73,250
14
$23,125
29
$49,250
102
$28,125
116
$28,125
129
$121,250
2
$205,250
15
$391,250
30
$193,250
103
$481,250
117
$601,250
130
$79,250
3
$217,250
16
$241,250
31
$67,250
104
$193,250
118
$931,250
131
$52,250
4
$73,250
17
$109,250
32
$91,250
105
$121,250
119
$145,250
133
$91,250
5
$511,250
18
$49,250
33
$145,250
106
$109,250
120
$1,201,250
134
$253,250
6
$61,250
19
$25,000
34
$124,999
107
$73,250
121
$481,250
135
$97,250
7
$217,250
21
$1,321,250
35
$109,250
108
$313,250
122
$541,250
136
$229,250
8
$61,250
23
$277,250
36
$79,250
110
$52,250
123
$451,250
137
$313,250
9
$18,750
24
$277,250
37
$145,250
111
$133,250
124
$1,081,250
138
$157,250
10
$115,250
25
$481,250
38
$301,250
112
$40,250
125
$217,250
139
$58,250
11
$52,250
26
$85,250
39
$121,250
113
$40,250
126
$43,250
140
$61,250
12
$43,250
27
$931,250
88
$5,701,250
114
$34,250
127
$229,250
13
$31,250
28
$79,250
101
$67,250
115
$61,250
128
$217,250
Thank you to all of the consignors, collectors and enthusiasts who made our sale a success.
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