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Though best known for his epic depictions of fiery disaster, English Romantic painter John Martin (1789-1853) also produced a series of smaller, quieter works.

One of the many memorable scenes in Charles Dickens’ 'Bleak House' was the portrayal of the apparent spontaneous combustion of Mr Krook, leaving “the cinder of a small charred and broken log of wood sprinkled with white ashes”.

On Friday, February 28, Michael Bloomstein of Brighton was paying the following for bulk scrap against a gold fix of: $1626.35 / €1479.50 / £1262.37

An eyewitness account of the trial of two elderly widows on charges of witchcraft proved one of the more successful lots in a truly Out of the Ordinary sale held in Essex on February 11.

Our weekly selection from salerooms.

Silver dealer Michael Baggott has published a book of spooky tales for the trade: 'The Hawthorn Cross & other Antiques Ghost Stories'.

This octagonal brass box, decorated with 17 micro-mosaics featuring subjects from classical antiquity, was created by Augusto Castellani of the famous firm of Roman jewellers founded by his father Fortunato.

A round-up of art and antiques news from the previous seven days, including the death of François Tajan, the deputy chairman of the Paris-based auction house Artcurial, who died aged 57 after suffering from food poisoning.

Our regular listing of British and Irish book auctions.

It is safe to say that the canvas 'Panorama of the River Scheldt with the Silhouette of Antwerp', executed by the Flemish artist Mathieu Ignace van Bree (1773-1839) in the late 18th century, will not be the most expensive painting sold in Germany this year.

Auction prices are on the rise for the late Norfolk artist Gwyneth Johnstone (1914-2010), daughter of the artist Augustus John and niece of the Welsh painter Gwen John.

Three modestly valued works selling at regional sales including a Trevor Grimshaw steam train.

This well-fitted maple wood artist’s box comes with numerous watercolours, mixing bowls and a small folding easel.

Scottish Colourist George Leslie Hunter (1877-1931) is best known for his strong and vibrant still-lifes but landscapes also feature significantly in his oeuvre – and collectors will spend big to acquire the highest-quality examples.

Several surprises emerged in the tribal art sale held by Cologne auction house Lempertz (24% buyer’s premium) in a recent sale held in Brussels.

A silver medal on offer at Gorny & Mosch in Munich on March 9-10 commemorates the last pitched battle fought on the British mainland.

This late drawing by Karl Hofer (1878-1955), the German Expressionist painter who was branded a creator of ‘degenerate art’ by the Nazis, was one of dozens consigned by his family to Taunton saleroom Greenslade Taylor Hunt (19.5% buyer’s premium).

Raphael’s painting 'Madonna della sedia' is one of the most familiar images of Western art and has been copied by artists since its inception in 1513.

“A fabulous example of how an auctioneer can sell these collections so successfully outside of London,” said Dreweatts’ (25% buyer’s premium) managing director Jonathan Pratt in the wake of Donnington Priory’s latest auction of European furniture and works of art.

Napoleon Bonaparte’s magnetism remains as forceful as ever in UK salerooms.