Latest News Articles by Roland Arkell
Pick of the week: Florence sparkles in Castrucci’s stunning stone carving
23 November 2020In 1592, the Florentine stone carver Cosimo Castrucci (fl.1576-1602) was called to the imperial court in Prague by Rudolph II.
A jester teddy and a sketch of Lord Nelson are among the nine lots to watch at auction
23 November 2020With estimates from £40-12,000 here are nine previews of upcoming items this week.
Gifts from Queen Victoria: Jewellery presented to god-daughters and family friends in the spotlight at Cheffins
23 November 2020Gifts from Queen Victoria to two of her god-daughters garnered international attention at Cheffins (22.5% buyer’s premium) in Cambridge.
Auction previews: issue 2469
23 November 2020A selection of 16 upcoming lots from auctions taking place around the UK and Ireland.
Table lamp made of synthetic material lights up auction
23 November 2020Ottoman bead carvers in Istanbul – makers of the garlands of beads known as tesbih and komboloi – were swift to appreciate the potential of Bakelite in c.1910.
Great example of Grand Tour glyphic art sells for over 40-times estimate at Sworders
23 November 2020Exceptional examples of the glyphic arts – the apotheosis of jewellery collecting during the Grand Tour era – are rising high in the saleroom once more.
‘Artist jeweller’ Donald very much back in vogue
23 November 2020Two private collections of the work of John Donald (b.1928) enjoyed a clean sweep at auctions in recent weeks.
Lalique shines as period pieces impress
23 November 2020A Lalique glass, enamel and diamond bracelet, brooch and earring suite was sold at Lyon & Turnbull (25% buyer’s premium) for the first time since it was bought by the Edwardian heiress Florence Evelyn St George (1870-1936).
Van Cleef & Arpels – courtesy of Joan Collins
23 November 2020The economic crisis of the Great Depression inspired a vogue for many versatile jewels, particularly clip brooches that could be worn on lapels, hat trims and the latest hairstyles.
Australian gold rush jewellery in strong demand
23 November 2020The distinctive Antipodean ‘botanical’ jewellery of the gold rush era is among the first to depict the native flora and fauna. It is of huge cultural significance to Australia and its mining heritage.
Victorian ring concealing a practical joke brings sensational bidding in Somerset
23 November 2020This curious object is the forerunner of a million Christmas cracker prizes. Made in gold and silver, c.1830, the ‘ring’ chased with flowers includes a tiny pin hole which allows a jet of water to be squirted into the face of an unsuspecting admirer via a syringe-like plunger that can be concealed in the palm.
Jewellery and silver: our pick of 29 objects offered at auctions in time for Christmas
23 November 2020Forget the high street or ‘not-on-the-high street’ – for those looking for an original gift, a carefully chosen antique will never disappoint. Many upcoming UK auctions of silver and jewellery are assembled with the season of gift-giving in mind. Here ATG provides a selection of ‘more affordable’ and portable items, all for sale this month
Prince Philip letter stars in our pick of five auction highlights sold this week
20 November 2020ATG’s weekly selection of items that caught bidders’ eyes includes a letter from Prince Philip where the Duke of Edinburgh gives his views about New Zealand.
Pick of the week: Window into 18th century gentry life
16 November 2020An item of local interest to bidders at Bamfords in Derby was this 18th century account book for Radbourne Hall, the seat of the Chandos-Pole family.
Brutus strikes again – a £2.7m classical coin record
16 November 2020Roma Numismatics set a new record for a classical coin when a Brutus Eid Mar-type gold aureus, struck shortly after the murder of Julius Caesar, took £2.7m in London.
Best English milled gold coins strike it big in Monte Carlo sale
16 November 2020The record for a British coin sold at auction has been broken twice at a sale in Monte Carlo.
Culloden commemorative box with Jacobite sympathies emerges in London sale
16 November 2020Lots of souvenirs were produced referencing the Battle of Culloden on April 16, 1746 – the final confrontation of the Jacobite rising of 1745 and the last pitched battle fought on British soil.
An Italian cameo brooch and a group of Regency garden chairs are among six lots to watch at auction this week
16 November 2020With estimates from £80-100,000 here are six previews of upcoming items this week.
Opportunity knocks for decorative arts sales
16 November 2020Salerooms seize the chance as traditional dedicated auctions fade away in London
Miniature depicting key figure in colonial Australia draws demand at Lawrences of Bletchingley
16 November 2020This 4 x 3in (10 x 8cm) oil on ivory miniature, offered by Lawrences (20% buyer’s premium) of Bletchingley, is attributed to the English miniature painter William Mineard Bennett (1778-1858).