Print Edition

When astronaut Ed White was pictured during the first US spacewalk it was not only the first still photograph of a human in space, but also the first taken by another human – James McDivitt. Up to that moment all images released were taken by television or monitoring cameras.

With crossover appeal to Meccano collectors and advertising enthusiasts, this Meccano Dealer’s No 1 slope-back cabinet from 1929-35 went well over hopes.

A painting by Derby artist Ernest Townsend (1880-1944) was among the works that caused something of a surprise at auction early this year.

Our regular listing of UK and Irish book auctions.

Johnny, of Austrian, Belgian and English parentage, was born in London and educated at Downside, a Catholic boarding school in Somerset.

A selection of 11 upcoming lots from auctions taking place around the UK.

One of the pleasures of Daniel Crouch’s work life has been buying trips to the Continent – for the serendipity of making contacts as well as the chance to handle the goods.

Abraham Louis Breguet is generally considered to be the greatest watchmaker of all times, responsible for numerous inventions, which revolutionised the art.

ATG’s pick of auction lots bought by internet bidders on thesaleroom.com, including both the highest prices over estimate and the top prices paid online.

Although Thomas Tompion (1639-1713) is often referred to as the Father of English Clockmaking, his talents were not just limited to clocks.

The latest Interiors sale at Cheffins (24.5% buyer’s premium) in Cambridge included one of the rarest of all the Britains lead soldier sets.

Lacking the glitter of a former rock star owner, this Fender Stratocaster sold on the traditional antiques virtues of quality, age and condition.

Approved by parliament on December 30, 2020, the long-awaited trade accord between the EU and the UK is an unwieldly 1300 pages long.

Butchoff Antiques sells fine quality English and Continental furniture, mirrors and objects from its 3000 sq ft Kensington Church Street showroom and increasingly online.

MADAM – I am intrigued by the ongoing debate surrounding Christie’s interpretation of the current Covid-19 restrictions in relation to the viewing of auction lots – in particular the Apter- Fredericks sale of January 26 (front page, ATG No 2481).

MADAM – Recent events (Brexit, the removal of the exemption for antique ivory, Covid) have all highlighted the need for a clear single ‘Antiques Trade’ voice to speak to Government and the wider world.

Despite having no maker’s mark, the design and quality of this c.1930 oak reclining book table armchair, below, proclaimed Ambrose Heal.

MADAM – Martin Levy’s letter (ATG No 2480) brought back happy memories of my time as a porter at Phillips Oxford in the early 80s.

Dunhill Aquarium table lighters painted by Margaret Bennett and husband Alan in the 1950s-60s remain popular among collectors in these non-smoking days.

This watercolour and pencil drawing from 1833 which became the star lot at a recent sale at Nusser (25% buyer’s premium) in Munich had an imperial connection.