Latest News Articles by Alex Capon
White-glove Rockefeller auction enters the record books
14 May 2018The epic white-glove sale of the David and Peggy Rockefeller collection at Christie’s New York has established a new high for a single-owner auction.
10 European paintings that lit up the Rockefeller sale at Christie’s New York
09 May 2018The evening sale of 19th and 20th century art from the collection of the David and Peggy Rockefeller collection posted a record for any single-owner auction.
Rockefeller sale smashes record for single-owner auction at Christie’s New York
09 May 2018The first part of Christie’s much-anticipated sale of the David and Peggy Rockefeller collection smashed the record for a single-owner auction in New York last night, setting records for Monet, Matisse and Delacroix in the process.
Offshore hallmarks to be different to those used in UK, says council
07 May 2018The British Hallmarking Council (BHC) has decided that hallmarks struck offshore by UK assay offices should be different to those applied in the UK.
‘Copy’ of Rubens sold by Met Museum now offered at Christie’s after attribution upgraded
02 May 2018A painting thought to be a copy of a Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) portrait when it was deaccessioned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art will now be offered at Christie’s in London with a full attribution. It will carry an estimate of £3m-5m.
BDO report hits out at Mossgreen management
30 April 2018The administrator BDO’s report into the collapse of Mossgreen has recommended that the Australian auction house’s former management be investigated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) over possible criminal activities.
Sotheby’s brokers sale of rare Juan de Zurbarán still life to National Gallery
27 April 2018Sotheby’s has negotiated the private sale of a still life by Juan de Zurbarán (1620-1649) to the National Gallery, London.
How police tracked down suspects after rare coins stolen from American football star Rob Gronkowski
25 April 2018Two suspects have been arrested in Massachusetts following a night-time break-in at the home of New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Sotheby’s unveil Modigliani’s largest painting ahead of New York auction – video
24 April 2018The largest painting ever made by Amedeo Modigliani (1884-1920) has been unveiled by Sotheby’s ahead of its auction in New York next month. It is estimated in excess of $150m and will be the star lot at its Impressionist and Modern sale on May 14.
‘First gold coin struck in the US’ changes hands in $5m deal
12 April 2018One of seven known examples of ‘the first gold coin struck in the US’ – the 1787 New York Brasher Doubloon – has sold for more than $5m in a private deal.
Automobilia from Stewart Imber’s Themed Garages offered at Cheffins’ auction
06 April 2018Items from Themed Garages, a well known automobilia company that holds one of the most notable collections of motoring-related artefacts in the UK, will be offered at a Cheffins auction later this month.
Design for Albury war memorial makes £1500 at auction of former V&A director’s collection
05 April 2018A watercolour design for a First World War memorial in the village of Albury in Surrey was among the works bringing demand at the auction of former V&A director Dr Alan Borg’s collection.
Watercolours worked up into saleroom success
02 April 2018Given current market conditions, watercolours can often be ‘the poor relation’ when it comes to mixed category picture sales. But examples benefitting from fine condition, colouring or execution, or a combination of these key factors, can lead to a very different outcome.
Bidders board the Farnham omnibus
02 April 2018A painting of Farnham High Street from 1794 by a little-known artist fetched a not-so-little £8500 at Woolley & Wallis.
Why a sea view costs extra
02 April 2018Marines and seascapes were a strong feature of Woolley & Wallis’ latest picture sale and, while there were plenty of affordable works on offer (see separate story), the sale was led by one of the larger works by a well-recognised name.
Saleroom selection: Three works at Woolley & Wallis below £1500
02 April 2018Three more modestly valued works drawing attention at Woolley & Wallis
Sotheby’s announces ownership scheme for staff
29 March 2018Auction house Sotheby’s has launched a share scheme for employees that it says will benefit 98% of its staff.
Early LS Lowry drawings emerge at Kent auction
29 March 2018A cache of early LS Lowry (1887-1976) drawings from a deceased estate in Cheshire is estimated to sell for a combined £150,000 at Bentleys Fine Art Auctioneers in Cranbrook, Kent.
Saleroom selection: five lots from former V&A director’s collection offered at auction
27 March 2018Works from the collection of Dr Alan Borg, former director of the Victoria & Albert Museum, will be offered at auction tomorrow at London saleroom 25 Blythe Road with estimates ranging from £100 up to £1000.
Pick of the Week: John Constable sketch reaches for the sky
26 March 2018A previously unpublished John Constable sketch drew prolonged bidding at south London saleroom Roseberys.