Our History

Waddington’s is Canada’s Auction & Appraisal Company

providing expert advice to Canadian and international clients for 174 successful years.

1850

Canada was still 17 years away from Confederation and Toronto’s population was less than 20,000 when Andrew Henderson originally of Paisley, Scotland opened auction rooms on Toronto’s lower Yonge Street.

1863

In 1863, the company which now also included Henderson’s son Charles, 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 the auction house of Toronto.

“Charlie” Henderson 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. Recognized by everyone as he drove his horse and buggy around town ready to conduct an auction at the drop of his top hat, he conducted many auctions directly on the Toronto docks, deftly taking bids from the crowd as containers of fruit and dry goods were unloaded.

1928

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.

1939

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 ran the successful business for the next four decades.

1960

In 1960 British auctioneer Ronald McLean arrived in Toronto to work for Ward-Price Auctioneers on College Street near Yonge. By 1962, McLean 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. With a style reminiscent of Charlie Henderson’s, Ron is considered an institution of the Canadian auction business.

1970

Waddington, McLean & Co., Ltd. was incorporated in 1970 employing over 35 full-time staff and a roster of specialists to support all aspects of the auction and appraisal business.

1998

Again, growth of the business required a move and in June 1998, Waddington’s moved to 111 Bathurst Street, an exciting neighbourhood developing a strong arts and design identity.

2000

Waddington’s celebrated its 150th anniversary.

2001

A significant expansion of the business was realized with the creation of Joyner Waddington’s Canadian Art – a partnership of Canada’s most successful Canadian Fine Art auctioneer, Geoffrey Joyner, and Waddington’s Auctioneers.

2007

Capitalizing on the booming growth and power of the internet, Waddington’s conducted its first online auction. Online auctions have since become an important component for all our departments.

2011

After several successful years of growth, change and many exciting auctions, Waddington’s returned to its east end roots. Our new home is a sleek, concrete and glass facility in Toronto’s busy King Street East Design District.

2013

Linda Rodeck, one of Canada’s most respected Canadian art specialists, re-joined Waddington’s to lead our Canadian Art department, renamed Waddington’s Canadian Fine Art.

2015

To fully round out our fine arts and luxury goods portfolio, we added Fine Wine & Spirits under the authority of the LCBO to our offerings in the fall of 2015.

2020

Waddington’s celebrates its 170th anniversary.

Today and looking forward – Waddington’s is committed and energized by the challenge to adapt to the changing demands of the business and to continuously look for opportunities to expand our horizons. Whether conducting unique auctions such as the contents of Maple Leaf Gardens, or the many estate, specialty and fundraising events, we’re proud that as Toronto has become an international business and arts force – so have we.