Sculpture from the Collection of Bonnie Hay Robertson

Lots 15 to 30 in the February 2026 Inuit Art: Sculpture & Graphics auction come from the collection of Bonnie Hay Robertson (1946–2023), acquired while she was stationed as a nurse in Qamani’tuaq (Baker Lake) circa 1970. Her time in the community coincided with a period of change, including upgrading the nursing station originally built in 1956, to better meet the growing needs of Qamani’tuaq.

Robertson arrived in Qamani’tuaq as a young nurse, part of an expanding group of government service workers stationed in the North at that time. Hospitals and nursing stations played a crucial role in bringing modern medical care to Arctic communities. In earlier years, or in northern communities without proper medical facilities, managers of trading posts such as the Hudson’s Bay Company were often required to assume multiple roles, which could include providing medical assistance despite having no formal training.

While living in Qamani’tuaq, Robertson developed a desire to support friends and close acquaintances in the community, leading her to purchase artworks directly from local makers. The resulting collection is small but focused, and reflects a snapshot of artistic production during an important period in the community’s history. The works include contributions by George Tataniq, Vital Makpaaq, David Ikutaaq, Yvonne Kanayuq Arnakyuinak, Peter Sevoga, Barnabus Arnasungaaq, Luke Iksiktaaryuk, and Tuna Iquliq.

Life in the Arctic had a lasting impact on Robertson. She spoke about her time in Qamani’tuaq for the rest of her life, often sharing slide shows of photographs taken during her stay with friends. Time spent in the North has often been a catalyst for collecting Inuit art, and while many service workers stationed there went on to build larger collections later in life, there is a unique intimacy to collections built during time spent with Inuit artists in the environment that shaped their work.

We invite you to look closely at the works, lots 15-30, from the collection of Bonnie Hay Robertson, and to explore an intimate snapshot of Qamani’tuaq art.

about the auction

The Inuit Art: Sculpture & Graphics auction features selections from the private collections of Narwhal Gallery (London, England) founder Ken Mantel, David Sutherland, Victoria, BC, as well as former Qamani’tuaq (Baker Lake) nurse Bonnie Hay Robertson. Notable artists include George Tataniq, Barnabus Arnasungaaq, Peter Sevoga, Ennutsiak, Charlie Ugyuk, Annie Pootoogook, Manasie Akpaliapik, Kananginak Pootoogook, George Arluk, Kenojuak Ashevak, David Ikutaaq, Luke Airut, Ningiukulu Teevee, Oviloo Tunnilli, Parr, Vital Makpaaq and Floyd Kuptana.

The auction begins to close February 5, 2026 at 2:00 pm ET.

On view at our Toronto location:
 Sunday, February 1 from 12 pm to 4 pm
 Monday, February 2 from 10 am to 5 pm
 Tuesday, February 3 from 10 am to 5 pm

Please contact us for more information.