Latest News Articles by Laura Chesters

Moon Jug by Ben Nicholson

Jerwood expands collection with Nicholson auction purchase

23 July 2025

Arts charity Jerwood Foundation has purchased another Ben Nicholson (1894-1982) artwork.

Steven Moore's new book

New book published by antiques specialist Steven Moore

22 July 2025

Antiques dealer, auctioneer, museum curator and TV presenter Steven Moore is publishing his latest book this autumn.

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Churchill or not: Fake or Fortune first episode verdict not clear cut 

21 July 2025

The first of six new episodes of the BBC’s 'Fake or Fortune?' had an ambiguous outcome.

Madonna and Child by Antonio Solario

Stolen 16th century painting recovered in Norfolk returns to Italy

21 July 2025

A stolen painting of Madonna and Child by Antonio Solario (1465-1530) has been returned after more than 50 years.

Rosebud sledge

Citizen Kane Rosebud sledge makes record sum at auction

18 July 2025

The sledge becomes the second most-valuable piece of movie memorabilia ever sold

Websites

Cyber criminals make further attacks in art and antiques world

17 July 2025

Book dealership Sotheran’s is the latest victim of cyber criminals.

European Union

Art and antiques trade braced for new EU cultural goods laws

16 July 2025

Details of how to manage the new European Union regulations on importing cultural goods have emerged, sending shockwaves through the art and antiques trade.

Christie’s

Christie’s reports flat first half auction sales for 2025

15 July 2025

Auction house Christie’s reported auction sales of $2.1bn (£1.6bn) in the first half of 2025, on a par with 2024.

Barbara Hepworth sculpture

Final plea to save Hepworth sculpture for the nation as 80% of funds raised

15 July 2025

Yorkshire museum needs the final £600,000 by August 27 to save a Barbara Hepworth sculpture

Original Birkin Bag

Original Jane Birkin Hermès handbag takes €7m at Paris auction

11 July 2025

A new record has been set for a luxury handbag as the 'original' Hermès Birkin bag was hammered down at €7m at Sotheby's in Paris.

Olympia

Photo London to be first artworld event held at newly refurbished Olympia

10 July 2025

The newly redeveloped Olympia, set to be unveiled later this year after a £1.3bn makeover, will host 'Photo London' in May 2026.

Leica 0-series model, number 112

Leica prototype takes seven-figure sum

10 July 2025

A Leica prototype camera took a hammer price of €6m (€7.2m including premium) against an estimate of €1.5m-2m at an auction in Austria.

Neil Lanham

New book goes behind the scenes in the auction world over the past 70 years

09 July 2025

Auctioneer Neil Lanham publishes a “chronicle of country life, auctioneering and world record prices spanning more than 70 years”

Harry Potter books

Complete signed first edition run of seven Harry Potter books comes to auction

08 July 2025

A group of seven first edition hardback copies of the Harry Potter books, all signed by author JK Rowling, are being offered by Heritage Auctions.

Downton Abbey

Bonhams hosts ‘farewell’ Downton Abbey props auction and exhibition

08 July 2025

The third (and final) Downton Abbey film is set to be released in September and a goodbye auction of the hit TV series and film franchise’s props is being hosted by Bonhams.

Anti-money laundering

Eighty art market firms hit with fines totalling over £500,000

07 July 2025

More than half a million pounds in fines have been issued to art dealers and auction houses by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in the six months to April 2025.

Philip Mould and Fiona Bruce

Fake or fortune: your chance to decide

07 July 2025

Can you spot a fake from the real deal just from glancing at a photo?

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Is Ardingly ‘Churchill’ Fake or Fortune?

07 July 2025

The first of six new episodes of the BBC’s Fake or Fortune? airing on Monday, July 21 features a picture of a summer garden bought for £130 at Ardingly Antiques Fair.

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ATG stars in second Braxton blockbuster

07 July 2025

James Braxton is celebrating the launch of his second book. The antiques specialist published his first book last year.

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Crowdfunding project to bid for Turner at Sotheby’s hits six-figures

01 July 2025

A crowdfunding project by Bristol Museums Development Trust to bid for JMW Turner’s 'The Rising Squall, Hot Wells from St Vincent’s Rock, Bristol' (1792), has reached in excess of £100,000.