Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
Racquet wielded by ‘champion of the world’
10 July 2026A ‘real tennis’ racquet dating from the reign of King Louis XV of France, used by the first of the great players whose achievements are on record, is being served up at auction.
Bidders drawn to extensive single-owner offering of vintage carriages and kit
10 July 2026After moving to a farm at Cropton, North Yorkshire, over the next 25 years Ian David Smith assembled an extensive private collection of horse-drawn vehicles and associated items.
Snacks not meals on wheels served up by a vendor cart
10 July 2026This bespoke 19th century fairground steam-powered confectioner’s vendor cart, to make ice cream and popcorn, tempted bidders at John Rolfe (20% buyer’s premium) in Tetbury, Gloucestershire.
Frankenstein second edition was the first to bear the author's full name
10 July 2026Not a first edition of the horror classic but the version printed five years later is also sought after
Largest collection of artworks by illustrator of Bagpuss, Ivor the Engine and The Clangers comes to auction in Canterbury
08 July 2026Around 500 original artworks by Peter Firmin (1928-2018) – creator of Bagpuss, Noggin the Nog, Ivor the Engine, The Clangers, Basil Brush and many other TV favourites – have been uncovered at the artist’s home in Kent where the family have lived since 1959.
The most powerful man in the auction universe
03 July 2026The He-Man film out now has struggled at the box office but the character in a smaller form amazed saleroom bidders.
The Glasgow slums revealed by a pioneering photographer
03 July 2026Thomas Annan’s famous book is now rated as ‘one of the finest photographic works of the 19th century’
Auction lot reveals inside story of how Thatcher came to power as PM
26 June 2026As yet another British prime minister steps/is forced aside, a lot coming up at Lewes saleroom Gorringe’s on July 7 gives a reminder of an earlier momentous change in power.
As Starmer steps down, an auction lot reveals the inside story of how British prime minister Thatcher was set on the road to the top post
25 June 2026As yet another British prime minister steps/is forced aside, a lot coming up at Lewes saleroom Gorringe’s on July 7 gives a reminder of an earlier momentous change in power.
World Cup stars: Memorabilia from Pelé, Banks, Ball and Shilton makes appearance at auctions
22 June 2026The World Cup has tempted vendors to consign a remarkable selection of big hitters to auction reflecting stand-out moments in the history of the tournament.
Fake and fortune: Manuscripts by The Spanish Forger emerge in Dorset
19 June 2026Two medieval illuminated manuscripts identified as being late 19th century or early 20th century fakes attributed to The Spanish Forger are being sold in Dorset on June 25 estimated at £500-1000.
Cartography creates demand as collection of former chancellor comes for sale
19 June 2026Rare atlases from the 17th to 19th centuries provided the top-sellers as an extensive library collection emerged from the estate of a descendant of one of Britain’s longest-serving Chancellors of the Exchequer.
Wilberforce letters stay local after East Yorkshire auction
19 June 2026Two personal letters written by William Wilberforce, the Hull-born anti-slavery campaigner and influential politician, were on offer at East Yorkshire saleroom Hawleys (22% buyer’s premium) on June 13.
First World War naval flags reflect fierce engagements
12 June 2026Motor Launch 397 was one of about 500 of these 37-ton boats built by Elco during the First World War and was heavily involved with the 1918 raids on the German-held ports of Ostend and Zeebrugge.
Wave of interest as RAF Museum sells off items
12 June 2026Unusual models brings strong demand as the RAF Museum sold off items it viewed as no longer needed
Hardened warrior was fascinated by folk stories
12 June 2026If The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers are to your liking, a large single-owner collection of military medals comprising nearly 100 lots dedicated to the regiment offered in Somerset on May 28 would have caught your eye.
