Latest News Articles by Alex Capon
Blend of science and witchcraft still casts a spell
16 January 2023One of the most interesting pictures sold at the latest series of Old Master sales in London was an interior scene by David Teniers the Younger (1610-90).
Valuable consignment delivered on foot
16 January 2023One of the most local consignments provided arguably the most notable lot at a Busby (21% buyer’s premium) sale in Bridport, Dorset, on November 17.
Sleepers woken up via the internet
16 January 2023Demonstrating how the internet has transformed the market for potential sleepers, three portraits that drew strong interest recently at different auctions in the UK and Europe all sold to online buyers.
The Salvator Mundi effect: a market transformation
16 January 2023Ever since the record-breaking $400m sale of Salvator Mundi at Christie’s back in 2017, the market seems to have become fascinated with other treatments of the subject.
Old Masters: Still lifes take centre stage at sale of purchasing pioneer's collection
16 January 2023Juan Manuel Grasset became part of a new generation who bought directly at auction from the 1960s
Sitter appeal: Portraits from Victorian sportsman to 20th century businessman bring demand
02 January 2023The record-setting piece of Beswick pottery at a recent sale at Potteries Auctions (20% buyer’s premium) – a rare variant of a shire horse model that fetched £11,300 (ATG No 2569) – was not the only lot bringing notable demand.
Ceri Richards shows his personal side
02 January 2023Despite a few surprises among the lots at Rogers Jones’ (24% buyer’s premium) third and final Welsh Sale of 2022, the solid performance of at least one of the leading pictures was probably more expected.
Five top artworks sold at auctions outside London this year
28 December 2022The top lots sold at regional salerooms in 2022 included a number of works by leading Modern British artists. Here we pick out five of the best results which were covered in ATG.
Brotherly love: Jacobean double portrait attracts interest in Newbury auction
19 December 2022An unusual subject and composition helped propel interest in a Jacobean double portrait of two young brothers at Dreweatts’ latest Old Master, British and European Art sale.
Constable’s tree sketch triples estimate at auction
19 December 2022A small drawing by John Constable of a tree in his birthplace of East Bergholt sold for a triple-estimate £31,000 (plus 22% buyer’s premium).
Roadmenders work surfaces outside London
19 December 2022A small and recently discovered painting by Peter Lanyon (1918-64) emerged at Kinghams’ (23% buyer’s premium).
Wynter’s wonderland lifts Knightsbridge sale
19 December 2022An abstract painting by Bryan Wynter (1915-75) was discovered a stone’s throw from Knightsbridge auction house Kings Russell (28% buyer’s premium).
Cass couple’s varied 20th century works provide boost to Bellmans
19 December 2022A group of 24 works from the collection of Wilfred and Jeannette Cass provided a boost to Bellmans’ (22% buyer’s premium) latest Modern British and 20th Century Art auction.
Ithell Colquhoun clinches a huge price
19 December 2022Female artist at centre of early British Surrealism scene now fetches sizeable sums
Sitter dubbed a ‘knight who looks like a postboy’
19 December 2022William Nicholson (1872-1949) is known today for restrained and sensitively handled still-lifes but in his day he found more success with his portraits.
Bumper selection of fourteen Bombergs offered
19 December 2022One of the most eyecatching consignments of Modern British art outside London was a private collection of 14 paintings by David Bomberg (1890-1957).
London Old Master sales pass last year’s totals but continue to be slim affairs
12 December 2022The latest series of Old Master sales in London put in a decent if not stellar performance, aided by one or two notable lots and a couple of important collections coming forward to the auction block this season.
Hotung ‘jewel in the crown’ Degas proves precious at auction
12 December 2022The second tranche of the collection of Hong Kong property investor Sir Joseph Hotung (1930-2021) generated some strong competition at Sotheby’s in London with a number of high-value pictures, as well some exceptional pieces of furniture, ceramics and decorative art, on offer last week.
Moonlight spotlight: classic Atkinson Grimshaw
12 December 2022The last few months have been an interesting time for followers of John Atkinson Grimshaw (1836-93).
Market conditions ideal if you want to move away from the ‘pale, male and stale’
12 December 2022The philanthropist, retired businessman and one-time Olympian bobsledder for Canada, Sir Christopher Ondaatje, chose a good time to sell a painting depicting a young 19th century black woman.