When Canada was still 17 years from Confederation, Charlie Henderson established a reputation for himself in Toronto. He was a man of great character and personal integrity, keeping company with such local celebrities as Ned Hanlan, the first international sports hero and world-class rowing champion, and Goldwin Smith, author and historian.

His brisk and wry auction house Toronto style captivated crowds, and his feisty demeanor and good-natured humor made him a favorite in the city of Toronto. He even conducted several auctions directly on the Toronto docks, deftly taking bids from the crowd as containers of fruit and dry goods were unloaded.

The world of auction houses is rich with intrigue, tradition and high-stakes transactions. While popular headlines focus on billionaire bidders and iconic artworks, auction house operations are complex organizations with numerous employees performing a variety of duties in the lead up to a sale. By understanding their intricate operations, we gain a deeper appreciation for the journey an artwork takes before finding its new home.

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Auctioneers source artworks through consignment, primarily from private sellers. These sellers may be motivated by the three D’s — debt, death or divorce – but many also sell due to a change in taste or the need to downsize their collection. Auction houses also actively seek out desirable pieces to be included in their auctions, aiming to enrich their offerings and cater to collector interests. These efforts are facilitated by the auctioneer’s expertise, market insights and customized services that foster enduring ties with collectors, dealers and institutions.