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Alasdair Nichol, picture specialist and vice chairman at Freeman’s of Philadelphia, called the Horst collection “an auctioneer’s perfect storm” – the sale of a previously unknown cache of untouched European and American art exposed to market for the first time in close to a century.

Did a diminutive fruitwood carving sold by Knowle Auction Rooms relate to one of the most tumultuous periods of British history – the Act of the Supremacy under Henry VIII?

The run on pearls continues with two spectacular prices paid for exceptional natural saltwater gems at auctions on either side of the Atlantic this week.

The latest Asian art sale at Sworders in Stansted Mountfitchet was led by this massive 9½in (24.5cm) high Chinese calligrapher’s brush pot dating to the late 18th or early 19th century.

Appearing at the latest of the twice-yearly marine sales at Bonhams Knightsbridge was a painting by Charles Napier Hemy (1841-1917) which had local connections helping bring demand.

A near complete working draft written by Bob Dylan for arguably his most famous song, ‘Like a Rolling Stone’, will be offered at Sotheby’s in New York this summer.

Bonhams will be looking for fair winds in July when the John Windeler Robertson collection goes under the hammer in New Bond Street.

This 21in (54cm) wide ‘Indo-Portuguese’ ivory inlaid hardwood fall front cabinet sold for an extraordinary £43,000 at Lawrences of Crewkerne.

COMMENT - As a relentless campaigner against the Artist’s Resale Right, IVAN MACQUISTEN explains why the trade should not avoid paying it now

A very hefty price for a Baroque work of art emerged recently at the Drouot auction centre.

Christie's former chief executive Edward Dolman is to become chairman and chief executive officer of Phillips this summer.

A massive cache of British Arts and Crafts metalware and ceramics stored in a bank for over 25 years will be sold by Bonhams through their forthcoming decorative arts auctions.

LAPADA, The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers, have appointed Rebecca Davies as their new chief executive following the resignation of Sarah Percy-Davis in December.

Thieves who target cultural property or items of great sentimental value could be hit with tougher sentences under official new proposals.

This silver cup and cover designed by Archibald Knox for Liberty and Co and hallmarked for Birmingham 1901 sold for £42,000 at north London’s Hampstead Auctions.

Irishman Harry Clarke (1889-1931) made his reputation as a book illustrator whose work straddled the passing Art Nouveau and the coming Art Deco movements.

The Furniture History Society has been promoting the study of furniture and historic interiors for 50 years now, and on Thursday, June 5, the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Fiona Woolf CBE, in her capacity as a member of the society, is hosting a champagne reception at Mansion House.

Christie’s are hoping to tap the international movie star market by putting on a preview for a new annual summer sale at the Cannes Film Festival.

The Geffrye Museum in East London has appointed architects for the next phase of its £14m development.

Alasdair Brown and Ingrid Nilson are organising a Dealer Dinner Dance on Tuesday, June 10, to coincide with the ‘Olympia International Art & Antiques Fair’ just next door to the fair at The Hilton London Olympia.