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2h ago

Hudson’s Bay Art Sale Opens to Packed Room as Early Lots Top Estimates

Strong early bidding ushers in a phased sell‑off, with a court request pending to auction the 1670 charter for a pledged $18 million toward museum donation.

Sir Winston Churchill's Marrakech and Francis Holman's Three Hudson's Bay Company Ships in the Thames hang on a wall as some of the works of art destined for the Hudson's Bay auction in Toronto.
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Overview

  • Heffel Fine Art Auction House began a live Toronto sale of 27 paintings from Hudson’s Bay’s collection before a standing‑room‑only crowd.
  • W. J. Phillips works exceeded estimates, including a $37,500 result and a $130,000 price that Heffel said set a record for the artist.
  • The marquee lot is Winston Churchill’s circa‑1935 oil ‘Marrakech,’ estimated at $400,000 to $600,000.
  • Most works were commissioned for HBC calendars between 1913 and 1970 and depict scenes tied to the company and Canadian history.
  • Heffel will continue dispersals through online auctions into next year, while HBC plans to seek court approval to auction its 1670 royal charter with an $18 million opening bid pledged by the Weston and Thomson families for donation to museums.