Latest news with #LawrenHarris
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Group of Seven Shatters Records at Heffel's Landmark All-Canadian Auction
Heffel's watershed all-Canadian auction achieves $22M and shatters records for major artists Group of Seven masterpieces from University Club of Toronto collection dominate sale Multiple auction records smashed, including Franklin Carmichael, Arthur Lismer, A.Y. Jackson and Daphne Odjig TORONTO, May 22, 2025 /CNW/ - Heffel Fine Art Auction House is honoured to celebrate the success of its record-breaking Spring live auction, a watershed evening dedicated exclusively to Canadian masterworks. The all-Canadian sale, held in Heffel's Toronto saleroom, brought together collectors from across the country and around the globe, united in their pursuit of Canada's most legendary artists. It was an electric night for the Group of Seven and Tom Thomson, whose major paintings shattered records and contributed to the evening's overall total of $22 million. As the leader in Canada's market and ranked among the top auction houses in the world globally, Heffel is proud to champion the nation's cultural icons on the international stage. The auction was led by three historic Group of Seven canvases by Lawren Harris, Franklin Carmichael and Arthur Lismer, consigned from the storied University Club of Toronto. These exceptional paintings by Canada's first national art movement—steeped in institutional history and national pride—anchored a night of landmark results and celebrated a vital chapter in Canada's cultural history. (All prices are in Canadian dollars and include a buyer's premium.) "Tonight was a true celebration of Canada," said Robert Heffel, Vice President of Heffel. "To see such exceptional works by our country's iconic artists resonate so deeply with collectors is incredibly rewarding. It's an honour for our team to help steward these national treasures into their next chapters." Highlights from the Heffel Spring 2025 Live Auction A landmark canvas by Lawren Harris led the evening, drawing serious interest from collectors. Northern Lake, a 1926 masterpiece from the University Club of Toronto collection, realized $3,121,250. The historic painting of international acclaim, awarded a gold medal at the 1926 Sesqui-Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia and exhibited at the Musée du Jeu de Paume in Paris, is a defining example of Harris's celebrated vision and mastery (est. $2,000,000 – 3,000,000). Leaf Pattern, the dazzling 1922 canvas by Franklin Carmichael shattered both its presale estimate and the artist's auction record and sold for $2,281,250 at the Heffel sale (est. $700,000 – 900,000). Also consigned from the University Club of Toronto, widely published and exhibited extensively throughout its lifetime, this stunning canvas truly captivated collectors. McGregor Bay Islands by Group of Seven artist Arthur Lismer achieved an exceptional price of $1,621,250, setting an auction record for the artist and marking Lismer's entry first entry into the million-dollar club. Widely exhibited and long held at the University Club of Toronto, the stunning canvas stands as one of Lismer's most important works and a quintessential example of the Group of Seven's vision (est. $600,000 – $800,000). A.Y. Jackson's phenomenal Night on the Skeena River set a deserving new auction record for the artist, soaring to $1,081,250 (est. $800,000 – $1,000,000). Painted during his pivotal Group of Seven years, the dramatic canvas is widely considered one of the finest canvases ever painted by the artist. Tom Thomson's rare and coveted oil sketches continue to be among the most sought-after works in Canadian art. Three outstanding paintings each surpassed $1 million, showcasing his most iconic subjects and locations; Autumn, Algonquin Park sold for $1,201,250, Canoe Lake, Algonquin Park for $1,051,250 and Dawn on Round Lake (Kawawaymog Lake) for $1,021,250. Important works by Emily Carr realized strong prices in the Heffel auction, including her dynamic seascape canvas Shoreline, which sold for $901,250 (est. $750,000 – 850,000) and British Columbia Forest for $541,250 (est. $250,000 – 350,000), reaffirming the artist's enduring global appeal. Heffel continues to champion Carr's incredible legacy and unmatched place in Canadian art history. Carr's masterworks, together with works by Lawren Harris and other Canadian greats, are on view in the global touring exhibition Northern Lights, currently on at Fondation Beyeler in Basel, Switzerland, before opening at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum in Buffalo, New York. Daphne Odjig's beautiful Awakening of Spring set a new auction record for the artist and sold for $133,250. The powerful and distinctive canvas exemplifies Odjig's ability to blend traditional themes with contemporary expression, solidifying her status as a pivotal figure in Canadian art (est. $50,000 – 70,000). For more information on the works included in Heffel's spring live auction, visit Heffel is now welcoming consignments for the fall 2025 auction season. The deadline for fall consignments is August 2025. About Heffel Fine Art Auction HouseSince 1978, Heffel has connected passionate collectors across the world with outstanding works of art, with sales of more than $1 billion. Heffel is renowned for its expertise in effectively managing and handling the sale of works from estates, institutional collections, corporate collections and private collections, serving as trusted experts for navigating the complexities of art collections with precision and care. Notable results include the 2016 sale of Lawren Harris' Mountain Forms for $11,210,000– the record for any Canadian artwork ever sold at auction – as well as Jean Paul Riopelle's Vent du nord for $7,438,750 in 2017. With galleries and support facilities in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary, Heffel has the most experienced team of specialists in Canada and provides premium client service to both sellers and buyers internationally. SOURCE Heffel Fine Art Auction House View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Group of Seven Shatters Records at Heffel's Landmark All-Canadian Auction
Heffel's watershed all-Canadian auction achieves $22M and shatters records for major artists Group of Seven masterpieces from University Club of Toronto collection dominate sale Multiple auction records smashed, including Franklin Carmichael, Arthur Lismer, A.Y. Jackson and Daphne Odjig TORONTO, May 22, 2025 /CNW/ - Heffel Fine Art Auction House is honoured to celebrate the success of its record-breaking Spring live auction, a watershed evening dedicated exclusively to Canadian masterworks. The all-Canadian sale, held in Heffel's Toronto saleroom, brought together collectors from across the country and around the globe, united in their pursuit of Canada's most legendary artists. It was an electric night for the Group of Seven and Tom Thomson, whose major paintings shattered records and contributed to the evening's overall total of $22 million. As the leader in Canada's market and ranked among the top auction houses in the world globally, Heffel is proud to champion the nation's cultural icons on the international stage. The auction was led by three historic Group of Seven canvases by Lawren Harris, Franklin Carmichael and Arthur Lismer, consigned from the storied University Club of Toronto. These exceptional paintings by Canada's first national art movement—steeped in institutional history and national pride—anchored a night of landmark results and celebrated a vital chapter in Canada's cultural history. (All prices are in Canadian dollars and include a buyer's premium.) "Tonight was a true celebration of Canada," said Robert Heffel, Vice President of Heffel. "To see such exceptional works by our country's iconic artists resonate so deeply with collectors is incredibly rewarding. It's an honour for our team to help steward these national treasures into their next chapters." Highlights from the Heffel Spring 2025 Live Auction A landmark canvas by Lawren Harris led the evening, drawing serious interest from collectors. Northern Lake, a 1926 masterpiece from the University Club of Toronto collection, realized $3,121,250. The historic painting of international acclaim, awarded a gold medal at the 1926 Sesqui-Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia and exhibited at the Musée du Jeu de Paume in Paris, is a defining example of Harris's celebrated vision and mastery (est. $2,000,000 – 3,000,000). Leaf Pattern, the dazzling 1922 canvas by Franklin Carmichael shattered both its presale estimate and the artist's auction record and sold for $2,281,250 at the Heffel sale (est. $700,000 – 900,000). Also consigned from the University Club of Toronto, widely published and exhibited extensively throughout its lifetime, this stunning canvas truly captivated collectors. McGregor Bay Islands by Group of Seven artist Arthur Lismer achieved an exceptional price of $1,621,250, setting an auction record for the artist and marking Lismer's entry first entry into the million-dollar club. Widely exhibited and long held at the University Club of Toronto, the stunning canvas stands as one of Lismer's most important works and a quintessential example of the Group of Seven's vision (est. $600,000 – $800,000). A.Y. Jackson's phenomenal Night on the Skeena River set a deserving new auction record for the artist, soaring to $1,081,250 (est. $800,000 – $1,000,000). Painted during his pivotal Group of Seven years, the dramatic canvas is widely considered one of the finest canvases ever painted by the artist. Tom Thomson's rare and coveted oil sketches continue to be among the most sought-after works in Canadian art. Three outstanding paintings each surpassed $1 million, showcasing his most iconic subjects and locations; Autumn, Algonquin Park sold for $1,201,250, Canoe Lake, Algonquin Park for $1,051,250 and Dawn on Round Lake (Kawawaymog Lake) for $1,021,250. Important works by Emily Carr realized strong prices in the Heffel auction, including her dynamic seascape canvas Shoreline, which sold for $901,250 (est. $750,000 – 850,000) and British Columbia Forest for $541,250 (est. $250,000 – 350,000), reaffirming the artist's enduring global appeal. Heffel continues to champion Carr's incredible legacy and unmatched place in Canadian art history. Carr's masterworks, together with works by Lawren Harris and other Canadian greats, are on view in the global touring exhibition Northern Lights, currently on at Fondation Beyeler in Basel, Switzerland, before opening at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum in Buffalo, New York. Daphne Odjig's beautiful Awakening of Spring set a new auction record for the artist and sold for $133,250. The powerful and distinctive canvas exemplifies Odjig's ability to blend traditional themes with contemporary expression, solidifying her status as a pivotal figure in Canadian art (est. $50,000 – 70,000). For more information on the works included in Heffel's spring live auction, visit Heffel is now welcoming consignments for the fall 2025 auction season. The deadline for fall consignments is August 2025. About Heffel Fine Art Auction HouseSince 1978, Heffel has connected passionate collectors across the world with outstanding works of art, with sales of more than $1 billion. Heffel is renowned for its expertise in effectively managing and handling the sale of works from estates, institutional collections, corporate collections and private collections, serving as trusted experts for navigating the complexities of art collections with precision and care. Notable results include the 2016 sale of Lawren Harris' Mountain Forms for $11,210,000– the record for any Canadian artwork ever sold at auction – as well as Jean Paul Riopelle's Vent du nord for $7,438,750 in 2017. With galleries and support facilities in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary, Heffel has the most experienced team of specialists in Canada and provides premium client service to both sellers and buyers internationally. SOURCE Heffel Fine Art Auction House View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CBC
08-05-2025
- CBC
Group of Seven painting 'comes home' to Cape Breton in recognition of miners' struggle
A 100-year-old painting by Group of Seven artist Lawren Harris is on exhibition now in Sydney, N.S., just in time for the anniversary of the event that led to the killing of coal miner William Davis. The famous painting is called Miners' Houses, Glace Bay and the exhibition's official opening was May 2 at the Eltuek Arts Centre. Melissa Kearney, the centre's artistic director, told Information Morning Cape Breton she was awestruck when she first saw the piece at the Art Gallery of Ontario in 2016. "[My] first instinct was everybody back home has to see this painting, because it so quite literally stops you in your tracks in its significance of this place and our history and the images, the symbolism, the icon of company houses and it being on the edge. Everything from the lighting to the homes themselves just screams Cape Breton Island." Miners' Houses, Glace Bay is on loan from the Art Gallery of Ontario until June 28. It's got its own exhibition space in the centre, which is a refurbished convent that dates back to 1885. Kearney said the painting represents Harris's final depiction of an urban industrial scene before his shift to northern landscapes. Harris was in Cape Breton reporting for the Toronto Star newspaper during a lengthy coal miners' strike in 1925 and was inspired to start the painting here, before returning to his studio in Toronto to finish it. "In his career, [Harris] felt so bent and moved by what he saw that I think that was a breaking point for him as an artist and so [it is an] extremely significant painting for Canadians and especially for us," Kearney said. After Harris left but before the strike was over, miner William Davis was shot and killed by mining company police. The event is recognized across the province every June 11 as William Davis Miners' Memorial Day. Kearney, whose grandfathers and great-grandfathers were miners, said the painting evokes a number of themes. She said the houses can, at first glance, appear to be gravestones on the edge of a cliff, a sight that's not uncommon on Cape Breton Island. She said it's also reminiscent of the old coal mining life. The painting is devoid of people, but Kearney said she assumes they are all working, either in the homes or in the mines underground. Kevin Edwards, a member of the Men of the Deeps coal miners' choir and a former miner himself, saw the painting for the first time at the opening and said he was amazed. He said one of the choir's goals is to maintain the history and culture of those who worked underground — the life-and-death struggles of the industrial way of life — and the painting serves a similar purpose. "For me, it has a very eerie, subtle feel to it, knowing the background and the history of it. It means so much not only to the coal mining industry, but to the labour movement and basically human rights," Edwards said. "That single event back in 1925, Bill Davis and others were injured or killed and maimed … and it meant so much, but they had the courage and the strength to go and to stand up against the police and the hired goons … and it's very, very meaningful." Lachlan MacKinnon, a history professor at Cape Breton University, said the painting helps tell the story of the coal miners' strike and Davis's death and the impact on the labour movement. "That was a really important moment in our island's history, because of the way that local workers, local coal miners and their families came together to challenge the ways that they were being exploited by their employer at the time," he said. The painting may appear bleak to some, but it portrays much more and still resonates, even though the coal mines closed in 2001, MacKinnon said. "In a sense, you see the kind of the starkness of the moment. It evokes that sense of poverty, of exploitation, of sort of living on the edge in a way, which certainly the coal communities in the 1920s were," he said. "On the other hand, I think that there's something that evokes solidarity. The images of the houses, their similarities one with one another, the way that they're crowded together and sort of the vibrant colours, I think evokes sort of a sense of togetherness, of drawing close and sort of resiliency, which I think resounds quite well in a place like Cape Breton, where those values and those ideas continued long after 1925 and indeed after the closure of the mines altogether."
CBC
06-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Iconic painting back home in Cape Breton
Miners' Houses, Glace Bay was painted in 1925 during the coal miners' strike by Group of Seven artist Lawren Harris. It's back on the island to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Davis Day. Kyle Moore has the story.
Cision Canada
24-04-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Made in Canada: Heffel's Spring Auction Celebrates Canadian Art on the Global Stage Français
Heffel auction on May 22 is a landmark sale dedicated entirely to Canadian art, with an estimated total value of $18M to $22M Exceptional Group of Seven paintings from the University Club of Toronto, led by a monumental canvas by Lawren Harris Remarkable 1952 Jean Paul Riopelle canvas, among the finest examples to ever come to market TORONTO, April 24, 2025 /CNW/ - In a time of heightened national pride, Heffel Fine Art Auction House is proud to present its monumental Spring Live Auction — a bold celebration of Canadian art. This all-Canadian, star-studded sale shines a spotlight on the nation's most iconic artists, featuring true masterpieces by Lawren Harris, Tom Thomson, Emily Carr and Jean Paul Riopelle. These legendary figures, whose groundbreaking works helped to define our cultural identity, are set to dazzle on the global stage in this unparalleled event. With an estimated total value of $18 million to $22 million, the two-part sale will take place on May 22, 2025, and will welcome in-person bidders in Heffel's state-of-the-art auction venue in Toronto, alongside remote bidding options available through the firm's Digital Saleroom. (All estimate values are in Canadian dollars.) Featured in the auction are three treasured masterpiece canvases by renowned Group of Seven artists Lawren Harris, Franklin Carmichael and Arthur Lismer, consigned from the prestigious University Club of Toronto. These important paintings, which have adorned the walls of the historic private club for generations, reflect not only the profound influence of the Group on our cultural legacy but also their enduring relevance and appeal in today's market. With exceptional provenance, rich documentation and an extensive international exhibition history rarely seen on the public market, these works offer collectors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire works from Canada's most iconic artist collective. "These extraordinary artworks are part of our cultural DNA," says David Heffel, President of Heffel Fine Art Auction House. "At a time when Canadians are reflecting on what makes our country unique, this collection offers a powerful reminder of the creativity, spirit and identity that define us." Highlights from the Heffel Auction Leading the Canadian, Impressionist & Modern Art session is Lawren Harris 's breathtaking Northern Lake, a masterpiece from the Group of Seven period. This stunning 1926 canvas, which won a gold medal at the 1926 Sesqui-Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, was also featured in the prestigious Musée du Jeu de Paume exhibition in Paris in 1927, among many other notable shows and publications. Consigned from the esteemed University Club of Toronto, this work is a remarkable example of Harris's mastery of light and form (est. $2,000,000 – 3,000,000). Shining bright in the Heffel auction is an exceptional 1952 canvas by Jean Paul Riopelle, Sans titre, which radiates with the intensity and energy that define the artist's most sought-after period. The monumental painting has traveled globally throughout its lifetime and is among Riopelle's very best examples. Another highlight in the auction is a small but mighty Riopelle canvas, Sans titre from 1950, a pivotal moment in his storied career, consigned from an important UK collection (est. $1,000,000 – 1,500,000). Also featured in the sale are three stunning oil paintings by the legendary Tom Thomson, including the widely exhibited Autumn, Algonquin Park (est. $1,000,000 – 1,200,000), Canoe Lake, Algonquin Park (est. $800,000 – 1,000,000), and Dawn on Round Lake (Kawawaymog Lake) (est. $700,000 – 900,000). Thomson forever transformed the way we perceive and celebrate the Canadian landscape, and these works reflect his lasting impact on the art world. A.Y. Jackson 's dramatic Night on the Skeena River (est. $800,000 – $1,000,000) is widely regarded as one of the most important canvases from his period painting with the Group of Seven, an era marked by some of the strongest and most adventurous work of his career. Franklin Carmichael 's Leaf Pattern, consigned from the University Club of Toronto, is arguably the finest example by the artist to ever come to market. This highly celebrated and widely exhibited canvas, which has been in the Club's collection since it was gifted to them in 1947, exemplifies Carmichael's ability to capture the landscape with vibrant colours, dynamism and intricate detail (est. $700,000 – 900,000). Major works anchoring the Post-War & Contemporary Art session include important paintings by leading Canadian artists, such as Private School by Christopher Pratt, a luminous and contemplative large-scale canvas (est. $150,000 – 200,000); Composition by Marcelle Ferron, a striking circa 1960 example of her bold abstraction (est. $150,000 – 250,000); and Septimale (est. $200,000 – 250,000), one of two mesmerizing works on offer by Claude Tousignant, with his signature concentric forms rendered in vibrant hues. Seven works by globally renowned artist Emily Carr are led by Shoreline, a circa 1936 canvas. Her paintings are among the rarest treasures in Canadian art, and this captivating seascape beautifully captures the raw energy of the Pacific coast. Consigned from a prestigious private collection, the work exemplifies Carr's deep connection to the landscape, making it a standout in the current market (est. $750,000 – 850,000). A colourful 1951 canvas by Paul-Émile Borduas, painted as the artist embraced a new visual language, is a highlight in the sale. With its energetic brushwork and striking palette, Composition reflects Borduas's bold shift towards pure abstraction and his lasting impact on the Automatist movement and Canadian art (est. $550,000 – 650,000). A key work in the Heffel spring catalogue is Arthur Lismer 's McGregor Bay Islands, a stunning canvas that has been widely exhibited and is considered one of his most important examples. This iconic painting, consigned from the University Club of Toronto, is the epitome of a Group of Seven masterpiece, showcasing Lismer's exceptional skill in capturing the essence of Canada's landscape (est. $600,000 – 800,000). Exceptional artworks have been once again entrusted to Heffel from important collections such as the Barbeau Owen Foundation and the Estate of Dr. Luigi Rossi. Significant works by celebrated Indigenous artists such as Daphne Odjig and Alex Janvier highlight the works from the Rossi collection, and a dynamic group of paintings by beloved West Coast painter E.J. Hughes are on offer from the Barbeau Owen Foundation. Heffel has a long history of placing significant works from estates and organizations into the hands of other passionate collectors, ensuring their continued legacy. "The masterpieces in this sale reflect what defines us as Canadians and are a powerful tribute to the strength, depth and global relevance of Canadian art," says Robert Heffel, Vice-President of Heffel Fine Art Auction House. "From the walls of historic institutions like the University Club of Toronto to the homes of visionary private collectors, these exceptional works by Canadian artists have shaped our national narrative, and we are incredibly honoured to help them shine on the world stage." Heffel Spring Auction Schedule To give collectors and enthusiasts from across Canada an opportunity to view these works, the collection is being previewed in four cities leading up to the auction and through virtual gallery tours. Calgary: March 27 – 30, Heffel Gallery (220 Manning Road NE, Unit 1080) Vancouver: April 10 – 17, Heffel Gallery (2247 Granville Street) Montreal: May 1 – 5, Heffel Gallery (1840 Sherbrooke Street W) Toronto: May 13 – 21, Heffel Gallery (13 Hazelton Avenue) The two-session auction will take place on Thursday, May 22 in Toronto. In addition to in-person bidding, the sale will be broadcast live at and several remote bidding options will be available. For further details about this exciting auction and to explore the online catalogues, please visit or contact Heffel's specialists. About Heffel Fine Art Auction House Since 1978, Heffel has connected passionate collectors across the world with outstanding works of art, with sales approaching $1 billion. Heffel is renowned for its expertise in effectively managing and handling estates, serving as trusted experts for navigating the complexities of art collections inherited from estates with precision and care. With facilities in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary, Heffel has the most experienced team of fine art specialists in Canada and provides premium client service to both sellers and buyers internationally. SOURCE Heffel Fine Art Auction House
