UK

The United Kingdom accounts for more than one fifth of the global art market sales and is the second biggest art market after the US.

Through auctioneers, dealers, fairs and markets - and a burgeoning online sector - buyers, collectors and sellers of art and antiques can easily access a vibrant network of intermediaries and events around the country. The UK's museums also house a wealth of impressive collections

Giotto

Art dealer in court over export of Giotto painting

29 June 2018

A London art dealer is in a high court battle with the Arts Council over the export of a Giotto di Bondone painting valued at £10m.

Marc Sands

Christie’s marketing chief leaves after four years at the auction house

28 June 2018

Marc Sands, who joined as chief marketing officer in April 2014, is leaving to “pursue other creative opportunities”.

Boris Becker

Boris Becker memorabilia auction postponed as tennis star claims diplomatic immunity

28 June 2018

The online auction of sporting memorabilia seized from bankrupt tennis star Boris Becker has been postponed. It follows Becker’s claim of diplomatic immunity as a sports attaché for an African state.

Ivory plaque

British Museum accepts 550-piece collection of ivory works of art ahead of UK trade ban

28 June 2018

A vast collection of ivories from The Sir Victor Sassoon Chinese Ivories Trust will be going on display at the British Museum after it acquired the collection earlier this year.

Church Street

Sun shines on Church Street’s latest art and antiques events

27 June 2018

Church Street traders have two reasons to celebrate after the successful launch of Middle Eastern-focused AlFayez in Alfies Antique Market and the second edition of its Sunday street market event 'Antiques Anonymous'.

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Masterpiece London opens in Chelsea: an early look at some top objects

27 June 2018

A fashion house founder's personal desk, a 16th century astronomy book, a pair of Chippendale commodes and contemporary Asian art jewellery: all are on offer as Masterpiece London returns for its 9th edition.

‘Portrait on a White Cover’ by Lucian Freud

Lucian Freud nude sells for £19.7m at Sotheby’s auction

27 June 2018

A nude portrait by Lucian Freud (1922-2011) painted when he was 80-years-old sold for £19.7m at Sotheby’s latest Contemporary art sale in London.

Transport posters

Vintage transport posters journey to Lyon & Turnbull exhibition

26 June 2018

Vintage transport posters including scenes of London Tramways are going on sale next month at the London office of Scottish auction house Lyon & Turnbull.

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Soviet hidden spy cameras set to click at West Midlands auction

26 June 2018

Ah, nostalgia. Hear the words ‘Russian’ and ‘spying’ these days and ‘Novichok’ and ‘Polonium’ will come to mind. Try looking back instead to the 1970s-80s with the help of a large collection of Soviet cameras coming up at auction.

Lord Nelson's 'Battle of Trafalgar' pocket watch

Nelson’s Battle of Trafalgar watch among ‘treasures’ to be auctioned at Sotheby’s

26 June 2018

A pocket watch worn by Lord Nelson during the Battle of Trafalgar and probably given to him after his triumph at the Battle of the Nile is to be offered at auction next month.

Victoria Beckham

See the Old Masters hanging out in Mayfair with Victoria Beckham

25 June 2018

Pop star-turned-fashion designer Victoria Beckham is displaying 16 Old Master paintings at her Dover Street store in Mayfair as part of a tie-up with auction house Sotheby’s.

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Countdown to keep winter Olympia afloat

25 June 2018

The countdown to save winter Olympia has begun as the organisers warn that advanced dealer commitment is crucial.

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Horlicks’ Mouseman furniture comes to auction

25 June 2018

The Horlicks collection of Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson furniture will be sold at auction in Stansted Mountfitchet this autumn.

Judge rules on Fatimid ewer ownership case

25 June 2018

A long-running legal dispute over a Fatimid rock crystal ewer that had been due to sell at Sotheby’s has been settled in court.

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Pick of the Week The Byne Ladies will stay together

25 June 2018

Three 18th century English carved and painted wooden dolls, in the same family for over two centuries, were sold at Specialist Auction Services of Newbury on June 19.

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Suffragette archive at auction reveals role of three sisters in the fight for women's right to vote

25 June 2018

The 100th anniversary year of women winning the right to vote in Britain (for those over 30, owning property, or university educated, anyway) has encouraged a bumper crop of related items at auction.

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One hump lot or two at Sotheby’s?

25 June 2018

Camels are the linking theme of the two lots illustrated here, so a verse by Ogden Nash copied below seems to fit the bill.

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Case study: a trip to Paris with Giacometti

25 June 2018

No two jobs are the same for the art shippers offering a bespoke service at the top end.

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Auctioneer shows a golden James Bond poster touch

25 June 2018

The morality laws of pre-liberal Ireland added to the allure and market value of this Goldfinger poster offered by Richard Winterton (17.5% buyer’s premium).

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Mask netsuke prove a mixed bag but head is highlight

25 June 2018

The 195-lot collection of mask netsuke amassed by Swiss entrepreneur Peter Müller met with mixed success when offered by Matthew Barton (24% buyer’s premium).

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