Front Page and News

Bonhams has set a new record for a toby jug with this c.1785 Admiral Lord Rodney jug.

The highlight of a private collection of Robert Thompson oak carvings to be offered by Tennants on March 6 is this curious anthropomorphic figure of the ‘Mouseman of Kilburn’.

Some of the best US coin discoveries are today made in the UK.

Sotheby’s edged ahead of Christie’s in terms of annual turnover in 2020, with private and online sales helping both firms offset declines in totals from live auctions.

What is perhaps the earliest dated piece of Irish glass sold at auction in Lewes.

Closing the year in some style, a patinated and parcel gilt bronze ‘double size’ figure of St George set a new auction record for Sir Alfred Gilbert (1854-1934) at Bonhams.

Demand for independent condition reports soared during lockdown, according to one restoration firm.

A handwritten account of the battle of Rorke’s Drift by Lt John Chard of the Royal Engineers, who led the renowned stand against the Zulu attack, sold for a hammer price of £140,000.

As the UK auction calendar ramps back up for the new year, expect sales to be held with no viewings or viewings by appointment.

Horsham Museum and Art Gallery has bought a presentation watercolour picture for three stained glass windows in a local church, St Peter’s in Cowfold, from London dealer Abbott and Holder.

Digital export licences will be introduced towards the end of next year in a boost to the UK’s art and antiques sector.

The traditional pre-Christmas Old Masters auctions in London were something of a mixed bag this year.

A sledge and flag from the first expedition to the Antarctic led by Ernest Shackleton have been saved for the nation.

A group of works by the elusive Austrian émigré artist Marie-Louise von Motesiczky (1906-96) made a rare appearance at Chiswick Auctions’ (25% buyer’s premium) latest British & European Fine Art sale.

A spate of thefts from central London shops has put the antiquarian book trade on high alert.

A new auction firm has launched in the market town of Leominster in Herefordshire.

Clothes, letters and photographs of the last queen of Madagascar are to return home after the Madagascan government bought the collection at a south London auction.

This pair of life-size bronze busts depict the tragic young figures Publius Septimus Geta, son of emperor Septimus Severus, and his sister-in-law Plautilla.

The latest Specialist Collectors’ Sale at Cuttlestones in Wolverhampton included a little bit of 20th century ceramics history.