Latest News Articles by Laura Chesters
A dozen ‘national treasures’ saved for the nation after export licence blocks
21 July 2021A dozen items deemed national treasures were bought by institutions between May 2018 and April 2020 with a value of £7.6m, according to the latest report.
Government launches consultation on extending antique ivory ban to hippos, narwhals, walruses and whales
20 July 2021The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a consultation on extending the near-total ban on the antique ivory trade.
Portobello dealers ‘left reeling’ as flood hits shops and arcades
19 July 2021Portobello Road dealers are cleaning up after “a month of rain in 90 minutes” flooded homes and businesses in the area last week.
Coronavirus rules relax but mask wearing to be the norm at antiques events
19 July 2021Larger indoor fairs can go ahead in England now that coronavirus restrictions have been relaxed but many firms will retain coronavirus measures.
A slow recovery: stolen tortoises resurface after 29 years
19 July 2021Four Victorian bronze tortoises stolen from National Trust property Kingston Lacy in Dorset have been recovered nearly 30 years later.
Fake or Fortune? returns to screens for its ninth season this month
17 July 2021BBC TV show Fake or Fortune? is returning later this month after filming progressed in between lockdowns.
England relaxes coronavirus restrictions but recommendations remain in place
14 July 2021The UK government has confirmed that from July 19 in England many of the coronavirus restrictions will be relaxed.
French state buys infamous Marquis de Sade’s manuscript with help from a wealthy banker
13 July 2021France’s Ministry of Culture announced the acquisition by the state of the ‘120 days of Sodom’ by the Marquis de Sade and a number of other manuscripts.
Growing gains early on at London Art Week
12 July 2021Exhibitors at London Art Week have reported a good flow of visitors to galleries as well as demand for the online series of talks.
Warning over Brexit effect on British hallmarking
12 July 2021The British Hallmarking Council (BHC) is to raise concerns with the government about the impact of Brexit on antique gold and silver exports into the EU.
Book fan leaves his antiquarian collection to local Oxfam shop
10 July 2021A book collector who travelled to an Oxfam shop in Tavistock, Devon every Tuesday by bus for the past decade has left his entire book collection to the charity.
New VAT rules for EU imports take effect this month
08 July 2021New VAT rules have been put in place by the European Union for distance selling.
New faces and updates across auction houses in the UK and US
07 July 2021This week’s Movers & Shakers includes a new specialist for Roseberys’ Modern & Contemporary Prints & Multiples department.
London Art Week talks commence online
06 July 2021The latest edition of London Art Week is underway and a series of talks and lectures accompany the in-gallery exhibitions held by dealers across London.
Antiques Roadshow specialist Eric Knowles turns dealer at new Kent emporium
05 July 2021Decorative arts specialist Eric Knowles has become a dealer and teamed up with others in the trade to launch a new emporium in Kent.
Clean energy: The real-life world of art restoration
05 July 2021TV programmes have brought restoration and conservation into the public spotlight recently, but what is life really like for those working in the field at a time when training and jobs are under pressure?
Silver dealer Koopman confident about move
05 July 2021Koopman Rare Art has moved to Mayfair after more than 50 years in the London Silver Vaults on Chancery Lane.
Q&A: Plowden & Smith
05 July 2021Conservation and restoration firm Plowden & Smith is now run by managing director Camilla Hughes-Hunt with a team of 13 qualified full-time conservation specialists.
College and school of design merger creates South Downs and London supercentre
05 July 2021West Dean College recently merged with KLC School of Design in London.