Toronto — A rare Winston Churchill painting and several iconic Canadian masterpieces from the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) art collection will go under the hammer in Toronto next month, with some works expected to fetch up to $1.75 million.
The Heffel Fine Art Auction House announced that 27 works from HBC’s historic collection — part of the retailer’s ongoing liquidation — will be featured in its November 19 live auction, alongside pieces from the Lillian Mayland McKimm collection.
Churchill’s ‘Marrakech’ Could Fetch $600,000
The centerpiece of the sale is Sir Winston Churchill’s “Marrakech” (1956), gifted to Hudson’s Bay by Lady Randolph Churchill. The rare canvas — believed to be the first Churchill painting ever auctioned in Canada — is expected to attract bids of up to $600,000.
Another standout, Frederic Marlett Bell-Smith’s “Lights of a City Street” (1894), depicting downtown Toronto, could sell for $100,000 to $150,000.
Canadian Masters Lead the McKimm Collection
The McKimm collection features a lineup of Canadian art icons, including Lawren Harris, Emily Carr, Tom Thomson, and E.J. Hughes.
- E.J. Hughes’ “Entrance to Howe Sound” could command as much as $1.75 million.
- Lawren Harris’ “Lake Superior Sunrise” and “Mountain Sketch” are each estimated between $500,000 and $700,000.
- Tom Thomson’s “Hillside on Big Cauchon Lake” (1915) is expected to reach $700,000.
- James Wilson Morrice’s “Le pont” (1907), making its Canadian debut after more than a century in Europe, could sell for $600,000 to $800,000.
A Storied Legacy on the Block
The Hudson’s Bay collection includes around 1,700 artworks and 2,700 historical artifacts, which the company began selling after filing for creditor protection in March and shuttering its 96 Canadian stores on June 1. Earlier this year, a court approved HBC’s sale of heritage items, including the 1670 Royal Charter signed by King Charles II.
“This fall presents a rare opportunity to engage with artworks that span generations, genres, and history,” said Robert Heffel, Vice-President of Heffel Fine Art. “We’re thrilled to connect these masterpieces with passionate collectors who will carry their stories forward.”
The live auction takes place Wednesday, November 19 in Toronto. A public preview runs November 11–18 at Heffel Gallery, 13 Hazelton Avenue.
Complete listings and registration details are available at www.heffel.com.