4 years after vanishing, painting at heart of $11M lawsuit re-emerges — but mystery far from over

After receiving a surprising phone call from his lawyer last month, Michael Murray, a physician based in Hawaii, was shocked to hear that his long-lost painting had been found. The painting, believed to be an unsigned original Tom Thomson piece of Tea Lake Dam in Algonquin Park, had been missing for about 10 years.

Murray had last seen the painting in 2015 when it was picked up by an employee of Waddington’s Auctioneers & Appraisers in Toronto, where it was awaiting auction. However, in 2021, the auction house claimed they didn’t have it, leading Murray to file an $11-million lawsuit against them in 2022. Waddington’s initially denied ever having the painting, but last month they sent a letter to Murray’s lawyer, Steven Bookman, stating that they had found it.

Bookman, along with a local expert who had previously restored the painting, visited the painting in a climate-controlled storeroom and confirmed that it was in good condition. The painting was then transferred to a secure storage facility. Despite the painting being returned, Murray and Bookman are still moving ahead with the lawsuit, seeking damages for the lost use and enjoyment of the painting, as well as legal fees incurred.

The discovery of the painting marks the end of a personal chapter for Murray, as it was a gift from his uncle, Paul Chandler, for his graduation from medical school. The painting had been in their possession since 1977 and held sentimental value. The National Gallery in Ottawa verified the painting’s authenticity as a Tom Thomson piece, adding to its value.

Now that the painting is back in Murray’s possession, he is looking to find a buyer. An appraisal done in 2022 valued the painting at around $1.5 million, making it a rare find for art collectors. Murray hopes to find a buyer who appreciates Tom Thomson’s work and is willing to invest in this unique piece of Canadian art history.

The mysterious journey of the painting, mirroring the enigmatic life of Tom Thomson, adds to its allure and value. Murray is eager to uncover more about the painting’s whereabouts for the past decade and hopes that its story will be as captivating as Thomson’s own mysterious legacy.