Art and antiques news from 2007

SOTHEBY’s are attempting to gain a lead over their competitors in the crucial area of client services by announcing major enhancements to their website. It follows the decision by rivals Christie’s to bring in new online features such as live bidding last year.

A recent federal law, designed to preserve the integrity of United States medals and decorations, is creating chaos within the militaria collecting field.

Exhibitors find a fortnight in London too costly to bear

CHRISTIE’S International have raised the stakes in the frantically competitive post-War and Contemporary art markets by acquiring leading dealership Haunch of Venison.

Anonymous artist’s contempt for art market does nothing to dampen demand

Trade reaction to the extension of London’s congestion charge zone ranges from serious concern to mild resignation.

This Chinese turquoise ground ewer, standing just 73/4in (19.7cm) high, belongs to a group of ritual wares specially commissioned by the Qing Court for placement on Buddhist altars. Their function was for ceremonial use in palaces and temples either within the Forbidden Palace or Bishushanzhuang in Chengde.

Late trading in New York on February 21 saw the price of gold rocket $23.50 (£16.50) to $680.50 (£482.50) an ounce, its highest close since July 7 last year. The leap followed publication of the US Department of Labour’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showing inflation had risen faster than expected in January.

SILKS from China, carpets from Persia, cottons, shawls and kilims from India, Euopean embroidery and lace, antique buttons and bows – some of these fine textiles, fabrics and accessories are now an essential part of any vintage fashion fair.

THE FBI have arrested a retired lawyer who became involved in a £20m stolen art saga. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in jail.

THE changing tastes of collectors and the great 21st century art boom have been widely reported in recent times. And a timely case in point arrives with the news that the Belgian collector and food magnate Baron Guy Ullens has chosen to sell his collection of 14 Turner watercolours to focus his collecting energies and resources on Chinese Contemporary art.

Council commission points to more sympathetic position

A NEW government-backed website is promising to be a one-stop shop to help people buy and sell antiques legally.

The hotels of Newbury were full of lovers on Valentine’s Day – lovers of Chinese jade. A packed room and a full bank of telephones were buzzing as Dreweatt Neate sold Chinese jade from the collection of the late June, Lady Horlick, including many pieces acquired from the London trade in the 1960s and 1970s and not seen on the market since then.

THE High Court judge in the dispute over a fragment of limestone relief removed from Persepolis has explained why he did not rule that it should be returned to Iran.

THERE’S post-festive joy in Camden Passage, as Mike Weedon, spokesman for the Camden Passage Association, reports that many of the dealers who’ve been trading there for 30 years had their best Christmas on record.

Auction series takes art sales to new level

BELGIAN art dealer Maximin Berko is the driving force behind the Shanghai Fine Jewellery and Art Fair which will be launched at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre from October 13 to 21 this year.

Sotheby’s may be some distance away from holding sales in the Gulf – as Christie’s have now done three times – but they have taken measures to firm up their presence in the region by appointing a director for the Middle East and Gulf.

Bonhams have changed their buyer’s premium rates globally to match Sotheby’s and Christie’s with immediate effect.