Lydia Abbott

A specialist in Fine Art, Lydia acquired her Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History, Communications and Literature from McGill University, Montreal. She obtained a Master of Arts degree in Art History from the University of Toronto where she specialized in both historical and contemporary Canadian art. Her research areas include the art market, Painters Eleven, Quebec modern art, and Canadian artists in Europe.

She has twenty years of experience in the art auction industry, having held positions as a Regional Director and a Senior Art Specialist at two auction firms located in Montreal and Toronto.

In 2013, Lydia entered a partnership with colleagues Rob Cowley and Ryan Mayberry to form Consignor Canadian Fine Art (renamed Cowley Abbott in 2019). As a both a Principal and the Vice President of Cowley Abbott, Lydia's responsibilities include focusing on the collection of consignments for the firm's fine art auctions as well as providing formal appraisals and art consulting services.

Lydia is a member of the International Society Appraisers, the largest professional association of personal property appraisers in North America. Her accreditation with the ISA allows her to provide clients with formal appraisals written to ISA and USPAP (The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) standards, meeting the varying appraisal needs of the Canadian art industry.

Lydia is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto. She teaches a course which she developed for the Art History department entitled The Business of Art. Lydia is also on the Advisory Board for Grand Hotel, an exhibition by artist Ydessa Hendeles set to open in Venice in April of 2024. She has also been nominated for the 2023 RBC Women’s Entrepreneur Award.

Lydia offers professional consignment, appraisal and fine art consultation services in English and French.