Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Canadian Television Host Loses Job Over Brokering Art Deals to Guests

June 10, 2015 by Marion Maneker

Here’s the short version explaining why Canadian TV host Evan Solomon lost his job:

Bruce Bailey wanted to sell some of his large collection of artwork, and in October, 2013, he signed a contract with Mr. Solomon – with whom he has been friends for years – to introduce him to prospective buyers. Over the two years of their business arrangement, Mr. Bailey paid commissions to Mr. Solomon that, in at least one case, topped $300,000. In their communications, they described the buyers by codewords: “The Guv” for Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, and “Anka” for businessman Jim Balsillie.

And here’s a bit of the longer version from The Toronto Star:

The Star found Solomon had been brokering the sale of paintings and masks owned by a flamboyant Toronto-area art collector to rich and famous buyers. Solomon, in at least one case, took commissions in excess of $300,000 for several pieces of art and did not disclose to the buyer that he was being paid fees for introducing buyer and seller. […]

Among the people to whom Solomon has brokered the sale of paintings are Jim Balsillie, co-founder of Research In Motion (now BlackBerry) and Mark Carney, the former Bank of Canada governor and current governor of the Bank of England.

Solomon, as a journalist, has dealt with both men in his high-profile host jobs at the CBC. Carney, who is also a friend, has been a guest on both of Solomon’s shows.

Solomon met Balsillie while courting him as a journalist two years ago in unsuccessful attempts to get him on CBC to discuss sustainable development and small businesses, as well as Balsillie’s role in backing the search for the Franklin expedition ships.

Evan Solomon’s art-dealing scandal: Who’s accused of doing what  (The Globe and Mail)

CBC host Evan Solomon fired after Star investigation finds he took secret cut of art deals  (Toronto Star)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • Forging Family TiesForging Family Ties
  • Art in Lieu of TaxArt in Lieu of Tax
  • Led by 25 KAWS Works, Ryan Brant’s Collection Will Sell at Sotheby’sLed by 25 KAWS Works, Ryan Brant’s Collection Will Sell at Sotheby’s
  • Title Risk: Art Market's SecretTitle Risk: Art Market's Secret
  • Ferris Beuller’s Ferrari Scores at Amelia Island, Jerry Seinfeld’s Porsche’s … Not So MuchFerris Beuller’s Ferrari Scores at Amelia Island, Jerry Seinfeld’s Porsche’s … Not So Much
  • Fine Art Fund Postpones India FundFine Art Fund Postpones India Fund

Filed Under: General

About Marion Maneker

LiveArt

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor