Art
Canadian Police Seized 1,000 Works From a Dealer Suspected of Selling Art on Behalf of Clients and Then Ghosting Them
A consignor in Canada began to grow suspicious when they stopped hearing back from the art dealer with whom they’d entrusted four artworks to sell. The gallery, based in Oak Bay on Vancouver Island, had also apparently closed. The works at stake? Three paintings by the highly acclaimed Canadian artist Emily Carr and another watercolor by David Blackwood.
The consignor lodged a complaint on April 11 with the local Saanich Police, who quickly discovered several other art owners who reported similar experiences with the dealer. Three search warrants were granted to the Major Crime Unit, which seized more than 1,000 works of art at three storage sites in Saanich, Oak Bay, and Langford.
Constable Markus Anastasiades said, “the dealer was taking art from people with the intention of consigning or appraising the art, later ceasing all contact, all the while selling the art without reimbursing the owners or artists.”
The estimated value of the art that has been seized is in the tens of millions of dollars. The works are now being stored in a secure location.
The implicated art dealer was arrested on April 21, but Saanich Police have declined to identify them until the charges have been sworn in court. The accused has since been released on several conditions. Meanwhile, investigators are preparing a report to Crown Counsel recommending criminal charges for multiple counts of fraud and false pretense.
Canada’s The Globe and Mail has, on the basis of publicly available court documents, speculated that the accused could be Calvin Lucyshyn of Winchester Galleries, against which several lawsuits have been filed alleging that he took artworks without giving compensation. CTV News has also found Winchester Galleries to be at the center of this investigation.
He had also been the subject of a civil lawsuit filed by the previous owners of the gallery, Gunther Heinrich and Anthony Sam, after underpaying for the property by $155,000. The pair was also liable to cover Lucyshyn’s overdue rent payments, to the tune of $233,000.
Detectives are currently in communication with the artists and owners of the seized artworks as they work to return them to their rightful owners. They encourage anyone still seeking to reclaim these works to get in touch.
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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