Canada was still 17 years away from Confederation and Toronto's population was less than 20,000 when Waddington's™ began life in the auction business.
Andrew Henderson of Paisley, Scotland had settled in Toronto in 1841, and in 1850, opened his auction rooms on lower Yonge Street. In a few years Andrew was joined by his son Charles, who would later give Henderson's its high profile and notoriety.
In 1863, the company moved to 128 King Street East where the "C. M. Henderson & Co. - Auctioneers" sign would hang over the entrance for the next 75 years, establishing Henderson's as theauction house of Toronto.
Charles or "Charlie" Henderson ran the company with flair. He was one of Toronto's great Victorians keeping company with Toronto notables Ned Hanlan, Canada's first international sports hero and world-class rowing champion, and Goldwin Smith, noted author and historian. Henderson was recognized by everyone as he drove his horse and buggy around town ready to conduct an auction at the drop of his top hat. Many auctions were held directly on the Toronto docks, with Charlie deftly taking bids from the crowds as containers of fruit and dry goods were unloaded.
When Charles Henderson died at age 81 in 1928, the media paid tribute to the veteran auctioneer:
"Elegantly silk-hatted, spatted and cravatted, he was this city's most famous glass of fashion and mold of form, as well as its most persuasive orator and most original character. He never sold any article with a guarantee of uniqueness so genuine as his own".
"A composite of civic history could be gathered from beneath Charlie Henderson's hammer. His office was the scene of the making of many a political career...He has auctioned everything auctioned in Toronto". Toronto Telegram, Dec. 7, 1928.
The business passed on to Charles' son Douglas, and in 1939, ownership of the company was transferred to Douglas' partner Frank Waddington. As the new proprietors, the Waddington family re-named the auction house 'Waddington's', and steered the successful business for the next four decades.
In 1960, young British auctioneer Ronald McLean arrived in Toronto to work for the competition, Ward-Price. By 1962, McLean was ready to be his own boss, and bought Waddington's™ from Frank's two sons "on a handshake". Waddington's™ continued to develop its reputation as a Toronto institution, and in 1969, expanding business necessitated a move from 128 King Street East to larger facilities at 189 Queen Street East.
Ron McLean brought his own style to the auctioneer's podium, always keen to share amusing anecdotes from his experiences in both Canada and the U.K. His style is reminiscent of Charlie Henderson's, throwing out jibes and jokes at the auction crowds. Ron is considered an institution of the Canadian auction business.
McLean's three sons joined the company as partners and Waddington, McLean & Co., Ltd. was incorporated in 1970.
Once again, growth of the business required a move. In June of 1998, Waddington's™ closed its doors on Queen Street and moved into what has been referred to as the 'best auction facility in Canada', at 111 Bathurst Street. With two auction floors, greatly improved client facilities and a state-of-the art photographic and printing centre, the new facilities opened the door for some exciting business opportunities.
Waddington's™ celebrated its 150th anniversary in the year 2000, retaining both the family traditions of the Waddingtons and Hendersons, as well as their vision for the future. Following Ron's retirement, management of the company now rests with the McLean sons Alastair, Duncan and Donald.
An exciting expansion of the business was realised with the creation of Joyner™ Canadian Fine Art - a partnership between Joyner Fine Art Inc., Canada's most successful Canadian Fine Art auction house and Waddington's™, Canada's oldest auction house. Since then, sales of Canadian art have topped $5 million per auction, making Joyner™ the leading auction house for Canadian art.
Today the company employs over 30 full-time staff and a roster of specialists to support all aspects of the auction and appraisal business. Waddington's™ success has been based on the ability to adapt to the changing demands of the business and to continuously look for opportunities to expand our horizons. Whether conducting unique sales such as the contents of Maple Leaf Gardens, specialty auctions and bi-annual internationally acclaimed fine art auctions, Waddington's™ remains the auction house in Canada.
