Latest News Articles by Laura Chesters

Books

Bookseller boost as number of independent shops grow in the UK

08 January 2019

The decline in independent bookshops in the UK appears to have been halted with growth recorded for the second year in a row.

Andy McConnell

Two-decade labour of love now over as book is published by Antiques Roadshow glass specialist

08 January 2019

Glass dealer and Antiques Roadshow specialist Andy McConnell has launched a book to document the history of glass, from ancient to modern.

Robert Henshilwood
David and Beth Elstob

Former Thomas Watson director launches new auction house

07 January 2019

Former Thomas Watson Auctioneers director David Elstob is to launch his own auction house with wife Beth Elstob.

Italian specimen marble table top

Five lots to watch at auction this week including Dirk Bogarde's pietra dura table and a Zulu War shield

07 January 2019

With estimates from £50 to £25,000, here are five previews from upcoming sales this week.

ATG QUOTES OF THE WEEK.jpg

They said what?! From dreams of handbags to spellbinding paintings, the top quotes from the art and antiques trade

06 January 2019

This week's quotes include comments on an Old Master dealer's decision to sell at auction, a Claude Monet Venice view and a never-before-seen collection of Zulu war artefacts.

Nurse Katharine Ross Cameron

Appeal to antiques trade to help find stolen medals awarded to nurse who served in Africa

05 January 2019

The owner of a group of medals stolen from a car in south London is calling on the trade to help her locate them.

Una and the Lion coin

Three lots to watch at auction this week including a British Antarctic Expedition menu and a Queen Victoria Una and the Lion coin

02 January 2019

The first week of the new year means we are back in the saleroom and here are three previews from upcoming auctions over the next few days.

Penguin egg

Are Polar exploration memorabilia auctions like buses? You could be waiting for ages for one and then three come along at once.

30 December 2018

From a penguin egg to a menu of penguin patties, January sees significant items relating to Polar exploration offered at sales at Golding Young & Mawer, Stroud Auctions and Tennants Auctioneers.

Tree

Banksy shredding stunt continues to inspire the art world around the globe

24 December 2018

Street artist Banksy stunned the art world when his picture 'Girl with Balloon' automatically shredded itself in its frame moments after it sold for £1.04m at Sotheby's.

George Kidner Auctioneers

Hampshire auction house George Kidner to close

21 December 2018

George Kidner Auctioneers and Valuers is to close following the retirement of its founder.

Parliament

Ivory bill receives Royal Assent from Queen to become the Ivory Act 2018

20 December 2018

The Queen has formally agreed to make the ivory bill, which proposes a near-total ban on the trade in ivory, into an Act of Parliament.

Rare whisky testing

Third of rare Scotch vintage whisky tested found to be fake

20 December 2018

A sample of vintage bottles of Scotch whisky tested in a Scottish laboratory has been found to be fake.

Pontormo

Government to gain more powers to keep art treasures in the UK

19 December 2018

The government is launching a consultation on the future of the export system for art, antiques and antiquities, with the aim of forcing owners to ‘honour their commitment’ to sell when a matching offer is made from a UK buyer.

Pendant

Anglo-Saxon pendant found in Norfolk field voted Britain’s favourite work of art

18 December 2018

A rare Anglo-Saxon pendant found in Norfolk by a metal detectorist has been voted Britain’s favourite work of art bought by a museum.

Joseph Trinder
Maastricht

New faces for art fair TEFAF Maastricht’s Showcase revealed

17 December 2018

London dealer ArtAncient is among the six selected to show at TEFAF Maastricht on March 16-24, 2019.

Royal Assent close for ivory ban bill

17 December 2018

The ivory bill, which proposes a near-total ban on the trade in ivory, has passed its final stage in the House of Commons and is awaiting Royal Assent before it is passed into law next year.

Eric Ravilious for Wedgwood bowl

Five lots to watch at auction this week including a Marx Brothers photo and a Eric Ravilious bowl

17 December 2018

With estimates from £200-£2000, here are five previews from upcoming sales this week.

Bulla

Metal-detecting trend boosts ‘treasure’ discoveries as numbers hit a record for second year running

13 December 2018

Bronze Age golden jewellery and a Roman goddess kept in a margarine tub are among the discoveries dug up across the UK.