London

Whatever Mr Derbyshire, The Worthy Representative of Freedom Loving Great Britain was doing in the Caucasus in 1920, the Armenians of Karabach were obviously pretty pleased about it.

Two volumes of poetry offered in London auction were published by the Marvell Press.

Spotlight on honours sold recently includes courageous lifesavers from civilian backgrounds.

In May 2019 Spink (20% buyer’s premium) medal specialist Marcus Budgen was entrusted to catalogue the medals of Gunner A Howard, ‘N’ Battery, 5th Brigade, Royal Artillery, one of just four members of the RA present at the defence of Rorke’s Drift in the Zulu War.

Long before Mirandinha, Faustino Asprilla and Nolberto Solano graced the hallowed turf of Newcastle United’s St James’ Park, two brothers paved the way for South American footballers to play professionally in England.

The summer Art & Antiques Fair is now running in Olympia Grand, the largest of the halls.

Prestigious Chelsea fair Masterpiece can even boast an official champagne partner.

Recently found in a Norfolk attic, a full set of Canadian scenes by the military artist and topographical draughtsman Major General James Pattison Cockburn (1779-1847) sold for £130,000 at Forum Auctions (plus 25% buyer’s premium).

An engineer’s scratch-built working model of a steam locomotive, c.1940, in brass, steel and copper was one of the highlight sales at the last Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair in Battersea.

The sale at jewellery auction house Elmwood’s (25% buyer’s premium) in London on May 19 included a remarkable family archive of antique items.

The upper floors of this elegant London brick building have housed notable names over the years, as dealers Oliver Forge and Brendan Lynch describe

Sworders’ (25% buyer’s premium) Design sale on May 18 included a record for a wall-hanging by the weaver Peter Collingwood (1922-2008).

Museum contents devoted to the celebrated Victorian poets Robert Browning (1812-89) and Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-61) will be offered this month.

Sotheby’s is holding a month-long programme of exhibitions and events to mark the platinum jubilee.

This Egyptian Old Kingdom statue once owned by George III will be offered at Christie’s during its Classic Week sales in July.

A presentation diamond brooch given by Queen Elizabeth II to the Duchess of Norfolk for assistance prior to her coronation in 1953 is to be offered by Mayfair auction house Noonans on June 14, estimated at £4000-6000.

This Georgian enamel and rock crystal mourning ring was formerly owned by Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon.

TEFAF New York and Eye of the Collector are both cross-collecting fairs with an emphasis on Contemporary art but staged in historic buildings and also offering antiques.