Paintings from Churchill, Hudson’s Bay Company among 4,000 items in art exhibit

Paintings from some of the best known artists in Canadian history are going up for sale at an upcoming autumn art exhibition, including items that used to be in the Hudson’s Bay Company collection.

Works from Emily Carr, Paul Emile Borduas and Jean Paul Riopelle are part of the collection. There is even a painting of a Marrakesh scene by former British prime minister Winston Churchill among 4,400 pieces on the auction block at The Heffel Fine Art Auction.

David Heffel explains that Churchill had an artistic side.

“I think his passion really lied in his paintings and allowed him to escape from the political stress and in between political engagements,” Heffel said.

The Heffel family has been in the art business since 1978 yet this upcoming sale marks their 30th anniversary of auctions, which are done online now from Toronto.

“Today, our live sales showroom is much smaller. We have a mini studio operating about 10 cameras. The broadcast stream is as good as we can make it,” says Heffel, meaning art lovers around the world can take part.

“We have a lot of armchair bidders, you know, enjoying sitting in their living room with their family and friends, perhaps having a glass of wine and bidding through the internet.”

Selecting a unique piece of art that speaks to them. Heffel says owning unique art is another form of self-expression.

“We were lucky enough to grow up with parents that were collectors of art. And, you know, it was like a second language to us.”