Our History
Cowley Abbott was founded in August 2013 as Consignor Canadian Fine Art, as the country’s first online Canadian art auction house, in response to changes in the Canadian art market and art collecting practices. Opening a gallery space at 326 Dundas Street West, the firm aimed to bridge the gap between brick-and-mortar art galleries and the growing online marketplace. The firm set out to hold quarterly auctions, with historical and post-war artwork displayed on the gallery walls and bidding taking place electronically.
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Consignor saw significant growth within its first year, as in May 2014 it broke the record for a Canadian online auction, with Jack Bush’s “Summer Lake” selling for $310,000. In the spring of 2016, our firm introduced semi-annual live sales, in keeping with the global May and November auction seasons. In September of 2019, Consignor rebranded as Cowley Abbott to provide a more “human” face to our auction company, identifying the two managing partners and owners, Rob Cowley and Lydia Abbott. Cowley Abbott’s live auctions have continued to grow in prominence and value, filling larger event venues in Toronto while also requiring our gallery to increase in size by 75% for previewing and events since 2013, our team now occupying the entirety of 324 & 326 Dundas Street West.
Toronto & Across Canada
Our gallery is located at 326 Dundas Street West, directly across the street from the Art Gallery of Ontario. Cowley Abbott is immersed in Toronto’s very lively art community, participating in museum and non-profit sponsorships, lectures at academic institutions and private clubs, as well as hosting our own events with guest speakers for our clients and Canadian art lovers.
Cowley Abbott’s newest location opened in April 2026, located in the heart of Calgary's vibrant East Village, marking our permanent expansion into Western Canada.
The Calgary gallery is both a destination and a dialogue, offering an exciting space where exceptional artworks meet the energy of one of Canada's most dynamic collector communities. Throughout the year, the gallery presents a rotating selection of works for private sales, highlights of our upcoming auctions, and curated exhibitions. Peter Ohler, Western Canada Representative and Director of Private Sales, runs this location.
Based in Montreal, Katherine Meredith is Cowley Abbott's Quebec Representative, providing service to our clientele in Quebec and eastern Ontario.
Cowley Abbott strives to maintain and develop a clientele beyond the walls of the our galleries, with free valuation days, auction previews and speaking engagements in major cities throughout Canada each year. Our team of specialists travel throughout their local regions and across the country, assisting collectors from coast to coast.
Live Auctions
Cowley Abbott holds two live auctions in Toronto each year, in conjunction with the global auction schedule in the spring and fall. Our sales are tightly curated, showcasing the strongest examples of artworks by historical, post-war and contemporary artists. Each sale includes a printed catalogue with academic essays accompanying each work. We also hold previews, speaking events, and VIP cocktails in the weeks leading up to the evening auction. Cowley Abbott carries out extensive advertising and promotional campaigns. Regional and national newspapers frequently featured advertisements of our auction highlights, and partners Rob Cowley and Lydia Abbott travelled across the country to appear in television news segments and radio shows.
Online Auctions
Each month we organize monthly online auctions of Canadian and international art. Curated themes include Group of Seven & their Associates, Post-War and Contemporary art, and Prints & Multiples. The diverse selection and wide price ranges make these sales very popular with new and seasoned collectors. Artworks are available for in-person viewing while online bidding is open.
Private Sales, Appraisals & Other Services
Cowley Abbott offers artwork for private sale with Peter Ohler, and we regularly hold private selling exhibitions. Also, we offer formal appraisal and collections management services.
The Cowley Abbott team regularly collaborates with institutions and organizations across Canada for charity auctions and speaking events. If you are interested in collaborating with our firm, please get in touch with us at [email protected]