The S. Family Collection in Our Major Inuit Art Auction

For nearly seven decades, a husband and wife built a shared world through Inuit art — a love story told through stone, ivory, and paper. The S. Family Collection stands as the culmination of their lifelong passion.

A pioneering and important collection of Inuit art, the S. Family Collection is distinguished by its remarkable diversity and uniformly high quality. Mrs. S. spoke with us about the collection solo, her husband having passed away two years prior. Married at 19, they began collecting across a wide range of categories before focusing on Inuit art. Over the years, they organized exhibitions, specializing in sculpture. In their private collection, the couple did not restrict themselves to one region, medium, or artist. Their collecting philosophy was “to purchase things that we fell in love with, that we got excited about.”

The couple took great pleasure in watching the artists and their output evolve over the course of their collecting journey. As Mrs. S. explains, “we saw the development of the art form unfold in front of us—from the simplicity of the early sculptures to the intricate, detailed works created years later that told complex stories and legends. It was remarkable to witness the arc of that evolution.”

Their tastes were deeply in sync, and the couple always agreed on a purchase. Some works were bought directly from artists, others from important dealers. Art collecting was a major point of connection in their marriage, as was a great love of the outdoors. Canoeing and hiking were central to their lives, and to those of their four children. Mr. S, an architect, took several trips to the North, hiking across the Arctic Circle with two of their children, as well as visiting Auyuittuq National Park, Ivvavik National Park, Kluane National Park, Katmai National Park and Ellesmere Island. Mrs. S. recalls that to prepare for the arduous trips, her husband would strap a flat of Coca-Cola cans to his back and walk around their neighbourhood to build up strength. He would also prepare his own freeze-dried food, a cache which took a year to prepare.

Through their immersion in the Inuit art community, the couple built relationships with — and collected important works by — many of the 20th century’s most significant Inuit artists including Davie Atchealak, Judas Ullulaq, Ooviloo Tunillie, Parr, John Tiktak, Joe Talirunili, Kiugak Ashoona, Charlie Ugyuk, Nuna Parr, Aqjangajuk Shaa, and Mathew Aqigaaq. Mrs. S. expresses a deep satisfaction with their lifetime of collecting. “We were lucky that we could do it and enjoyed it so much. I get emotional parting with these pieces, but it’s time for others to appreciate them.”

Our Major Fall 2025 Inuit Art Auction is available for bidding November 7 to November 20.

The auction features artworks from an important pioneering Toronto collection, in addition to selections from the private collections of Narwhal Gallery (London, England) founder and author Ken Mantel, and former Northwest Territories Arts and Crafts Development Officer David Sutherland. Highlights include significant works by Judas Ullulaq, Parr, Akeeaktashuk, Niviaxie, Oviloo Tunnillie, Joe Talirunili, John Tiktak, Kenojuak Ashevak, Pauta Saila, Davie Atchealak, Nuna Parr, Manasie Akpaliapik, Tudlik, Floyd Kuptana, John Hoover, Luke Anguhadluq, and other noted artists.

Please contact us for more information.

On view at our Toronto location:

Thursday, November 13 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
 Friday, November 14 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
 Saturday, November 15 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
 Sunday, November 16 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
 Monday, November 17 from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
 Tuesday, November 18 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
 Wednesday, November 19 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Or by appointment.