Latest News Articles by Alex Capon
Princely buyer defends Cranach attribution over ‘fakes’ claim
20 October 2016The buyer of a major Old Master painting at the centre of a potential ‘fakes’ scandal has strongly defended its authenticity as a row threatens to erupt over its attribution.
“He hit me harder than anybody else I have met” – Muhammad Ali boxing trunks from fight against Henry Cooper offered in London sale
18 October 2016The boxing trunks worn by Muhammad Ali in a famous but controversial fight against Henry Cooper will be offered at a Graham Budd auction next month, estimated at £70,000-90,000.
Sotheby’s increases buyer’s premium
17 October 2016Sotheby’s has increased its buyer’s premium with the changes effective from November 13.
Rare Ming Dynasty banknote found lurking inside Chinese sculpture
12 October 2016Auction specialists in Australia have found a rare Ming Dynasty banknote hidden within a Chinese wooden sculpture. The discovery came at Mossgreen as they were cataloguing the extensive collection of Raphy Star – one of the most important collections of Asian art ever to be offered in the country.
Overseas bidders take advantage of weaker pound to lift Frieze-week auctions
11 October 2016Fewer lots were on offer at this year’s Frieze-week auctions in London but demand generally held up with international bidders taking advantage of favourable exchange rates.
Market forced on defensive over Old Master ‘fakes’
10 October 2016Lawyers representing the Frenchman Giulano Ruffini have defended his role in handling paintings at the centre of a ‘fakes scandal’ besetting the Old Masters market.
Console tables lead O’Reilly lots, selling at €145,000
08 October 2016A pair of 18th century console tables led a selection of items previously owned by the former billionaire Sir Anthony O'Reilly offered at Irish auctioneers Mealy’s earlier this week.
Phillips promote head of design Alexander Payne to deputy chairman
06 October 2016Phillips have appointed design specialist Alexander Payne as deputy chairman.
Christie’s sale of Leslie Waddington's collection brings lively start to London’s Frieze week
05 October 2016The sale of Leslie Waddington's art collection drew a lively crowd to Christie’s last night as friends and family of the late art dealer watched bidders competing for virtually every single lot on offer.
Old Master market faces the “biggest art scandal in a century”
04 October 2016A series of Old Master paintings has come under the spotlight as further details emerge about a potentially major fakes scandal.
Brian Sewell’s art collection brings solid response at Christie’s auction
03 October 2016A series of pictures from the collection of Brian Sewell drew spirited bidding at Christie’s with particular interest coming for his Old Master drawings.
Irish art dealer’s collection chalks up over €600,000 at Dublin auction
29 September 2016Works from the estate of the late Irish art dealer George McClelland helped Dublin saleroom Whyte’s post their best result for an art auction since April 2008.
Bonhams increase buyer’s premium thresholds
09 September 2016Bonhams have followed Christie’s in increasing their buyer’s fees by adjusting their premium thresholds.
Buyers’ fees rise at Christie’s as auction house increases premium thresholds
07 September 2016Christie’s have adjusted their buyer’s premium thresholds, bringing them closer into line but not identical to the rates at rivals Sotheby’s.
Ex-Phillips specialist joins Sotheby’s Contemporary art department in London
06 September 2016Martin Klosterfelde, a former Berlin-based contemporary art specialist and director at Phillips, has joined Sotheby’s.
Paddle8 and Auctionata appoint new CEO
05 September 2016Online auction firms Paddle8 and Auctionata have appointed a former Sony boss as their new chief executive officer.
‘Outsourcing’ of hallmarks: the trade view
02 September 2016Opposition to the ‘outsourcing’ of UK hallmarks overseas is gathering momentum in the trade. Campaigners say the use of British hallmarks in India threatens a 700-year-old system for stamping precious metals.
Silver vase takes a spectacular £23,000 at auction of dealer’s collection in Bath
31 August 2016The auction of a well-known antiques dealers’ collection generated strong interest in Bath yesterday. The mixed consignment of 356 lots drew competitive bidding throughout but the eyecatching result came for an Indian work of art that went dramatically over estimate.
Benjamin Franklin’s ceremonial sword comes to auction at Christie’s New York
31 August 2016A sword owned by Benjamin Franklin will be offered at an upcoming Christie’s sale in New York, estimated at $200,000-300,000.
Backlash from silver and jewellery trade over ‘offshore’ hallmarking
24 August 2016A group of British silversmiths, jewellery retailers and manufacturers has launched a campaign against the ‘outsourcing’ of UK hallmarks overseas.