Phone: (416) 479-9703
Email: lydia@cowleyabbott.ca
Lydia Abbott is the Owner, Vice President, and Director of Fine Art at Cowley Abbott, where she leads the firm’s Canadian and International Art departments, oversees artwork consignments, and manages private sales. Lydia is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto, where she teaches The Business of Art—an undergraduate course she developed to bridge the worlds of art history and the art market.
Lydia holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Literature from McGill University, and a Master of Arts in Art History from the University of Toronto, where she specialized in modern art. Her research has focused on the art market, Painters Eleven, Quebec modernism, and Canadian artists in Europe.
Lydia entered into a partnership to form Consignor Canadian Fine Art over a decade ago. The firm rebranded as Cowley Abbott in 2019, reflecting its growth and expanded focus. In her role, Lydia specializes in securing consignments for fine art auctions and private sales, providing formal appraisals, and delivering expert consulting services.
Before establishing Cowley Abbott, Lydia held senior roles at leading auction houses in both Montreal and Toronto, including positions as Regional Director and Senior Art Specialist. She is professionally trained through the International Society of Appraisers (ISA)—the largest personal property appraisal association in North America.
In recognition of her contributions to the art industry, Lydia was named a finalist for the 2025 Top Women Leaders of Toronto. She served on the Advisory Board of a major international exhibition in Venice, Italy in 2024 and was nominated for the 2023 RBC Women’s Entrepreneur Award. Lydia is also a Quadrangle Society Member of Massey College at the University of Toronto where she strives to empower the next generation of thinkers.
With more than twenty years of experience in the art industry, her career reflects a steadfast commitment to innovation, exemplary client service, and the promotion of Canadian art at both national and international levels.