News

The Moscow-based luxury retail giant Mercury Group have bought a majority stake in the London-based international auctioneers Phillips de Pury & Company. Phillips de Pury said that Mercury initially offered a possible partnership in July last year, but the deal developed into an effective takeover last week.

WHETHER or not the art market will be able to steer its way through the current financial storm remains an open question. But providing some relief from the constant talk of falling stocks and the global credit crunch, a pair of Dutch marine pictures saw some strong bidding at the latest picture sale held by Woolley and Wallis on October 8.

DMG Antiques Fairs say there will be no quick sale of their portfolio of antiques fairs following the sale of ATG and the Palm Beach International Art and Antiques Fair.

It proved, as predicted, to be the highest priced item in London Islamic week sales, but the Fatimid rock crystal ewer did not generate quite the fireworks that were expected before it came up for sale at Christie's on October 7.

LAPADA have announced new dates and a new Mayfair venue for the 2009 staging of their flagship London event. The LAPADA Art & Antiques Fair will be held from September 24 to 27 in a purpose-built marquee located in the centre of Berkeley Square in the very heart of Mayfair, London W1.

Royal Worcester porcelain is one of those collecting areas which is plentiful enough in its many different ornamental styles to support a wide collecting base. There are buyers for all the different forms, from George Owen’s scarce reticulated vases to Doris Lindner’s equestrian models.

The University of Wolverhampton have announced they will launch a new two-year Foundation Degree in Auctioneering and Valuation in February 2009.