A painting by British Columbia artist E.J. Hughes has shattered previous records, becoming the most expensive work ever sold by a B.C. artist at auction. The piece, titled Coastal Boats Near Sidney, B.C., fetched an impressive $5,701,250 at a Heffel auction held in Toronto on May 21.
Record-Breaking Sale
The 1948 oil painting was consigned by the Emily Carr College of Art and Design, which had received it as a donation from prominent Vancouver businessman Peter Brown and his wife Joanne. The sale price not only set a new benchmark for Hughes but also placed the artwork as the fourth most expensive Canadian work of art ever sold at auction.
This achievement surpasses the previous record held by another Hughes painting, Entrance to Howe Sound, which sold for $4,801,250 at a Heffel auction on November 19, 2025. The Browns originally purchased Coastal Boats Near Sidney, B.C. in 2011 for $1.14 million, which was itself a record for Hughes at the time.
Artistic Significance
The painting depicts two old steamships navigating the coastal waters of British Columbia, a subject matter that has been widely praised by critics and collectors. It is considered one of Hughes' finest works and was featured on the cover of former Vancouver Art Gallery curator Ian Thom's 2002 book on the artist.
The late Hughes collector Jacques Barbeau once remarked in 2011, "If you wanted one painting of Hughes, that's the one. If you want the esthetic footprint of E.J. Hughes, I don't think you could have a better example. That is British Columbia. The strength, the power, the scenery, it's all in there."
Auction Details
The Heffel auction, known for handling major Canadian art sales, attracted significant attention from collectors worldwide. The final bid of $5,701,250 underscores the enduring appeal of Hughes' work and the growing market for Canadian art. The painting's journey from a donation to the Emily Carr College of Art and Design to a record-breaking sale highlights the vibrant art scene in British Columbia and the value placed on regional artists.
This sale marks a milestone for Canadian art history, reinforcing E.J. Hughes' legacy as one of the country's most celebrated painters. His ability to capture the essence of British Columbia's landscapes and maritime heritage continues to resonate with audiences and collectors alike.
