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Waddingtons

From Alfawiki
Waddingtons
Company typePrivate
IndustryBoard games, playing cards, printing
Founded19th century by John Waddington and Wilson Barrett in Leeds, England
FounderJohn Waddington, Wilson Barrett
FateAcquired by Hasbro in 1994
Headquarters
Leeds
,
England, United Kingdom
ProductsBoard games, playing cards, jigsaw puzzles
ParentHasbro (from 1994)

Waddingtons was a prominent British producer specializing in cards and board games. Established by John Waddington from Leeds, England alongside actor and playwright Wilson Barrett under the original name Waddingtons Limited, the company experienced multiple rebrandings before adopting the name Waddingtons.

Founding and history

Beginning as a printing enterprise primarily servicing theatre needs, Waddingtons shifted into game manufacturing in 1922, responding to the heightened demand for playing cards during World War I. The firm offered both proprietary games—frequently linked to UK television programs—and titles under license.

Waddingtons secured the role of UK publisher for the American company Parker Brothers' version of Monopoly, while Parker Brothers obtained licensing rights for Waddingtons' Cluedo. In 1941, during World War II, British intelligence agency MI9 tasked Waddingtons with producing special Monopoly editions designed for prisoners of war. These versions discreetly included escape tools such as maps, compasses, genuine currency, and other aids, which were covertly distributed through fictitious charitable organizations.

From 1977 until 1993, the firm was led by chairman Victor Watson, grandson of Victor Hugo Watson. Although renowned for its gaming products, less than 15% of Waddingtons’ revenue stemmed from games; Victor prioritized innovations in packaging like folding cartons and microwave-safe trays. The emergence of video games in the 1970s gradually diminished sales of traditional board games. Following Victor’s retirement, Waddingtons was acquired by Hasbro in 1994.

Between 1994 and 2007, Waddingtons launched annual Christmas-themed jigsaw puzzles, initially showcasing Victorian scenes and later fairy tale motifs such as Cinderella. These limited runs have become sought-after collectibles. Since 2010, a new entity has continued producing additional jigsaw puzzles under the same brand name.

Games

Waddingtons published a wide array of games, including but not limited to:

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