Excellent Results: Our Modern, Post-War & Contemporary Auction, January 2026

Waddington’s kicked off the new year with robust results from our January Modern, Post-War & Contemporary Art auction, which showcased Waddington’s growing strength as a destination for high-quality international works, supported by strong provenance, rigorous authentication, and broad global exposure.

Works by both Canadian and international artists performed well, with highlights including paintings by David Jones, Édouard Cortès, Irwin, Alfred J. Casson, Paraskeva Clark, Alan Caswell Collier, Frank Shirley Panabaker, and Peter Clapham Sheppard.

Global visibility and competitive bidding

Waddington’s remains the only Canadian auction house to list simultaneously on Invaluable, Drouot, and Artnet, significantly widening the international bidder pool. This multi-platform strategy increases competition, drives bidding momentum, and ensures that strong works find their true market value. Notably, only 21 lots in the auction sold with a single bid — a robust indicator of competitive engagement across the auction.

Quality, provenance, and great results

Buyers responded to the calibre of material as well as the confidence created by our careful vetting process. The David Jones watercolour, Mehefin, was an exceptional work with great provenance and achieved one of the strongest results on record for comparable works on paper, selling for $80,050.

Mehefin was also accompanied by a dedicated essay written by Dr. Robin D’Souza, which can be read here.

The Édouard Cortès, Paris; Boulevard de la Madeleine (Reflected Lights) had excellent provenance, selling for over double its estimate at $37,350. Waddington’s specialists ensured that it was accompanied by a certificate issued by the Comité Édouard Cortès before bringing it to auction. Its sale reflects continued confidence in Waddington’s handling of certified, blue-chip European material. Miner II, From Was Ist Kunst, 1989 by Irwin was a rare and niche work seldom seen on the market, attracting focused collector interest and selling for $27,500. A small bronze by Constantin Meunier, Firedamp, 1889, exceeded expectations, selling for $20,000.

On the Canadian side, Untitled (Fall Day, Georgian Bay) by Frank Panabaker attracted early and heated bidding, selling for $17,500. An atmospheric painting by P.C. Sheppard, Sunset, Humber River (Near Uxbridge), ca. 1936-37 sold for $10,880, benefitting from catalogue raisonné inclusion, solid provenance, and targeted digital promotion.

Market timing and international buying power

The Canadian dollar is a strong motivator for international buyers, who benefit from the current advantageous exchange rates. This dynamic meaningfully increases Canada’s appeal as a buying destination for European and international collectors, particularly for international works.

Focused auction schedule and audience concentration

By offering four curated Modern, Post-War & Contemporary auctions per year rather than more frequent offerings, Waddington’s concentrates demand, reduces buyer fatigue, and creates clearer moments of attention for international clients. This cadence supports stronger results per auction.

Brand equity and international networks

Waddington’s long-standing reputation with international buyers — reinforced by active outreach across Asian, Ethnographic, and International categories — continues to expand our global network. This auction demonstrates how our historical strengths, paired with modern digital distribution, translates directly into competitive bidding and strong prices realised.

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Ready to sell?

The consignment process for our 2026 auctions is already underway. We look forward to connecting with you to discuss how you can achieve excellent results for your items and artworks.

Please contact us for more information on consigning with Waddington’s.