Hundreds of pieces of art seized from an Oak Bay art dealer in April have now been returned to their owners.
In April, Saanich police began an investigation into an Oak Bay art gallery that had recently closed its doors. People who had entrusted their artwork to the galley were unable to communicate with the dealer, police said.The resulting investigation led to the seizure of more than 1,000 pieces of art worth tens of millions of dollars, including three original Emily Carr paintings and several pieces by Canadian artist David Blackwood.
Three search warrants were executed at storage sites in Saanich, Oak Bay and Langford.
Police issued a news release April 28 that included an email address where people could contact investigators to claim their art.
As of Wednesday, police said, they have been able to return more than 900 pieces of art to collectors, estates and artists themselves. The art has been delivered to locations in B.C., Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes, as well as Washington state.
Efforts continue to return 200 pieces that remain unclaimed, police said. Anyone who thinks their art might be affected is asked to send an email to [email protected].
Criminal charges for multiple counts of fraud and false pretense are being prepared for Crown counsel, police said.
“The return of the art has been a labour-intensive process but an overall success, as we have been able to return over 75 per cent of the pieces we seized,” said Const. Markus Anastasiades. “We attribute this success to the media coverage and attention this file received, as well as the art community across the country spreading the word to one another.
“We are still hopeful we will be able to return all of the pieces that we have.”
The dealer acquired Winchester Galleries — long considered a prestigious gallery highlighting Canadian artists — from long-time owners Gunter Heinrich and Anthony Sam. In a press release on Feb. 23, 2019, Heinrich said he and his partner “have passed the baton to a new owner who is a local Oak Bay resident, and we wish him success and happiness.”
The dealer acquired Winchester Galleries — long considered a prestigious gallery highlighting Canadian artists — from long-time owners Gunter Heinrich and Anthony Sam. In a press release on Feb. 23, 2019, Heinrich said he and his partner “have passed the baton to a new owner who is a local Oak Bay resident, and we wish him success and happiness.”
