Fans of Team Canada are in for a treat as Heffel Fine Art Auction House launches an online auction featuring a trove of Canadian Olympic memorabilia and Hudson’s Bay artifacts. Kicking off this week, the auction includes a range of items, such as signed podium jackets from Olympians and uniforms worn by flag and torch bearers during the memorable 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
A Glimpse into Olympic History
The auction, which commenced on Tuesday, showcases a vibrant collection of memorabilia from various Olympic Games. Among the highlights are podium jackets adorned with the signatures of national athletes, along with uniforms from the 2010 Winter Olympics that took place in Vancouver. Also included are vintage pieces like a jacket designed for the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur and other Team Canada outfits from the past two decades.
Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC), which served as Team Canada’s official outfitter for 16 years, has an extensive history with these items. While most pieces in this auction were crafted by HBC, the Commonwealth Games jacket was produced by Zellers, a department store acquired by HBC in 1978. As HBC navigates through creditor protection proceedings, the auction serves as a means to generate funds for debt repayment.
Diverse Offerings and Unique Collectibles
In addition to Olympic apparel, the auction features an intriguing array of items, from shearling hats and luggage to coins, pins, and scarves, all emblazoned with the Team Canada emblem. For those whose interests lie beyond sports, the auction boasts a selection of fine art from contemporary artists such as Max Ackermann and Kuba Bryzgalski.
Significantly, a framed reproduction of the original 1670 charter that established HBC will also be up for bidding. This historical document was acquired for $18 million by the Thomson and Weston families, who intend to donate it to various institutions, including the Manitoba Museum and the Royal Ontario Museum.
A Nostalgic Journey Through HBC’s Legacy
The auction is a nostalgic homage to HBC’s storied past as a fur trading company, featuring items that tell the story of its evolution. Collectors can find unique pieces like a fur grader’s lab coat, top hats made from mink and beaver fur, and handwritten notebooks filled with fabric samples from buyers.
In addition to these historical artifacts, the auction also includes a plethora of items from HBC’s department store era, such as a 1928 wedding dress, HBC dinnerware, and even a vintage picnic cooler. Some items, like teddy bears dressed in HBC apparel, start at a modest estimate of around £25, while Olympic jackets are anticipated to fetch several hundred pounds, with paintings commanding even higher bids.
Anticipation Builds as Auction Nears Conclusion
The bidding is set to conclude on February 19, and the excitement is palpable as collectors and sports enthusiasts alike eye the remarkable pieces on offer. Heffel’s previous auctions have consistently seen items sell for prices exceeding initial estimates, suggesting that this event could also yield surprising results.
Why it Matters
This auction not only provides an opportunity for collectors to own a piece of Canadian sporting history but also highlights the ongoing journey of Hudson’s Bay Company as it restructures and redefines its legacy. The sale of these items serves as a bridge between Canada’s past and present, showcasing the rich heritage of both the Olympic spirit and the iconic retailer. As bids rise and stories unfold, the auction encapsulates the essence of Canadian pride and nostalgia, resonating with both seasoned collectors and new enthusiasts alike.
