Latest News Articles by Ivan Macquisten
Bern accepts Gurlitt bequest: disputed works to be returned
01 December 2014The Kunstmuseum Bern’s announcement that it would accept the Gurlitt bequest (aside from any Nazi-looted art) has been followed by a pledge by Germany’s culture minister to return the disputed Matisse and other works to the families of their original owners.
Ruprecht's passing at Sotheby's is the harbinger of something much bigger
21 November 2014COMMENT: As the saying goes, turnover is vanity, profit is sanity. Hold that thought as you consider the announcement that Bill Ruprecht is to stand down as CEO of Sotheby’s after nearly 15 years.
Sotheby’s look for new CEO as Ruprecht quits
21 November 2014BILL Ruprecht is to stand down as chief executive, chairman and president of Sotheby’s as soon as they find a replacement.
New high for timepiece at auction
18 November 2014Sotheby’s Geneva managed to grab the headlines when the Henry Graves Supercomplication set a record for a timepiece at auction.
Sotheby’s raise the stakes at the top end
17 November 2014Sotheby’s latest set of results show that they plan to raise the stakes even further at the top end of the market where competition is most intense.
World's top collector dies aged 48
10 November 2014Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed Al-Thani, once considered the world’s biggest art collector, died at his London home on November 9 aged 48.
Trade figures show Artist's Resale Right hurting UK
10 November 2014A new report on the British art market shows the United States and China pulling away from the UK – the world’s third biggest player – as global business expands.
Why the British art and antiques industry is not helping itself
07 November 2014Antiques Trade Gazette Editor Ivan Macquisten explains why leading dealers and auctioneers need to rethink their strategy if they want to get public opinion on their side
Mayfair firm launch new type of finance deal
31 October 2014A new company is offering alternative routes to financing art and antiques acquisitions from asset-backed lending and brokerage.
Ludwig sets out vision for future as he confirms Gibbons’ acquisition of Mallett
30 October 2014The Fine Art Auction Group’s (TFAAG) acquisition of Mallett on behalf of the Stanley Gibbons Group has been confirmed following the acceptance of its cash offer by more than 95% of Mallett PLC’s shareholders.
Ex-chairman of SOFAA damns 2% success fee
28 October 2014The chairman of one of the UK’s most successful provincial auction houses has joined the condemnation of Christie’s new 2% success fee, saying he is appalled by it.
Little-known Victorian amateur photographer’s archive up for sale
27 October 2014Bonhams will offer an archive of over 350 unpublished images by the Victorian amateur photographer Emma Francis Johnston.
Falcon swoop for art loan market
24 October 2014Simon de Pury took to the podium at the top of London landmark the Gherkin to launch Falcon Fine Art on October 13.
Frieze Masters unveils talks agenda
03 October 2014Frieze Masters (October’s 15-19) have unveiled this year’s Talks programme
Wedgwood archive saved as appeal hits £2.74m target
03 October 2014It has taken just over a month for the Art Fund’s £2.74m appeal to save the Wedgwood Collection to reach its target. It will now be gifted to the V&A but will stay in situ at the Wedgwood Museum in Barlaston, near Stoke.
UK auctions lead the world at Sotheby’s
30 September 2014Sotheby's United Kingdom sales have outperformed all other global regions at auction for the year to date, according to figures just released.
Stanley Gibbons to acquire Mallett
29 September 2014Stanley Gibbons are to acquire Mayfair dealers Mallett in a deal said to be worth £8.6m. The deal, just announced, caps almost a year of the stamp and coin specialists spreading their influence through the wider art and antiques world following their acquisition of Noble Investments last November.
Sotheby's go retail on wine in Hong Kong
26 September 2014Sotheby's have made their first foray into the wine retail market by opening their first wine store in Hong Kong.
Wedgwood archive appeal £2.2m wonder
26 September 2014Soon after ATG reported that the public had contributed £700,000 in a matter of days to help the final push to save the Wedgwood archive, the news came through that close to £2m had been raised. Some £1.3m was donated in just four days.
Over 5000 visitors pack Berkeley Square for launch of LAPADA fair
26 September 2014Queues across Berkeley Square on the opening night augured well for the 2014 LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair, and there was certainly a buzz inside the giant marquee, along with evidence of early sales among the 100-plus dealers standing there.