Somerset

Carved c.1880 and acquired in Shanghai during the 1930s, the opal cameo shown here was the choice of pre-Christmas jewellery offered in a Somerset sale.

Among a number of sporting pictures generating decent interest at recent sales, this autumn Cheffins (24.5% buyer’s premium) posted the highest auction price for the hunting specialist Lionel Edwards (1878-1966) in over 12 years.

Some lucky youngsters were among the attendees at IACF’s Shepton Mallet Antiques Fair earlier this month.

The three-day fair welcomed renowned photojournalist for a swish magazine showcase.

Lucy Burnett is a dealer at Market Cross Antiques in the Somerset town of Somerton, near Yeovil.

Naive artworks that can also suit modern decorating taste are rising in popularity and price.

Nineteenth-century Grand Tourists and souvenirs from the Orient made for a highly successful outing near Bristol where micro-mosaic panels, intaglios and Chinese vessels led the way at Clevedon Saleooms (22% buyer’s premium).

While traditional antique furniture prices are still relatively cheap, contemporary and mid-20th century material continues to be an expanding market.

Vincent Pugh and his wife Lesley White have opened their fourth centre under the brand name of Antiques on High.

‘Overflowing’ is how you might describe The Vintage Bazaar held in the Cheese and Grain, a community events venue in Frome, Somerset.

Two different dealers that started their businesses during lockdown are embarking on the next part of their careers.

Topping the bill at Dore & Rees in Frome, Somerset on July 6 was this 2in (5cm) archaeological revival brooch by Castellani.

“After a very busy Easter event which was spectacular, our Shepton Flea is back in full force with our next flea on Sunday, July 17”, says Sue Ede.

Strong prices do not always have to be seven, six or even five figure sums.

Led by Asian art specialist Lee Young, Dore & Rees will conduct a sale of Fine Asian Art in Frome on May 16.

The Etruscan, Renaissance and Byzantine revival jewels made by the Civilotti family (Carlo, Antonio and Giuseppe) in Rome are less numerous and less well known than those of the Castellani dynasty.

LAPADA members Rebecca and Jonny Ralfe founded Ralfes Yard five years ago in south Somerset.

The potent mix of China, horseracing and the 1851 Great Exhibition yielded a strong price for this splendid ‘export’ silver trophy at auction.

The market for Chinese furniture has come on leaps and bounds in 20 years.