Latest News Articles by Laura Chesters
Export-blocked 18th century harpsichord bought by Gainsborough’s House museum
20 May 2020A harpsichord that was sold at The Canterbury Auction Galleries in 2018 to a US buyer and later barred from export by the government has been saved for the nation by Gainsborough’s House museum.
French auction houses reopen following Germany’s lead as lockdown eases across Europe
19 May 2020Auction houses in France have been given the go-ahead to re-open this month after being closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Appeal to stop Ivory Act dismissed in latest court action
18 May 2020Court of Appeal judges have dismissed the latest attempt to stop the Ivory Act.
Lobbying helps art industry make key step in return to full trading in England
18 May 2020Following representations by the British Art Market Federation (BAMF) and the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers And Valuers (SOFAA) to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), auction houses were removed from the list of businesses that must remain closed due to the government's lockdown measures. DCMS said antique dealerships will also be able to open premises from June 1.
BAMF working to tackle backlog over export licences
18 May 2020The art market is lobbying for the reopening of the Export Licensing Unit (ELU) which closed in March.
Huge ornamental screen sells at salvage dealer's retirement auction
18 May 2020The team at antiques dealership Robert Mills Architectural spent decades salvaging items from closed-down churches, banks, mansions and pubs.
Auction houses and art and antiques dealers to open premises in June
13 May 2020A government department has confirmed to ATG that auction houses in England will be able to open to the public in June and conduct home valuations, as long as social distancing and the latest government guidelines are met.
More auction houses return to rostrum with online-only sales
13 May 2020Lots Road Auctions, The Canterbury Auction Galleries and Bishop & Miller are among the latest auction houses to plan a return to the rostrum and hold live online only sales.
Management reorganisation in Kent and new hires in Surrey and Yorkshire – auction house Movers and Shakers
13 May 2020The latest appointments around the regional UK auction houses this month.
Employee furlough extended until the autumn to support economy
12 May 2020The government scheme to pay wages of workers during the coronavirus pandemic has been extended until October.
Auction houses and dealers raise thousands for NHS charities
11 May 2020Recent timed online sales organised by regional auction houses and dealers to raise money for charity in the face of the coronavirus pandemic have raised more than £42,000 so far.
Figures support optimism on antiques exports
11 May 2020The art and antiques sector could benefit from a boost by the UK government after the coronavirus pandemic when the focus shifts to growing international trade.
Exports: rising costs and licensing hitch highlight short-term challenges
11 May 2020International exports are predicted to return to growth following the easing of the lockdown in the UK. However, current art and antiques exports have slowed to a trickle.
Fake Sumerian cuneiform tablets seized at airport
11 May 2020A group of smuggled Mesopotamian ‘antiquities’ destined for collectors in the UK was discovered to be fake and seized by Border Force.
Christie’s and China Guardian team up for series of autumn sales and events in Shanghai
07 May 2020Auction house Christie’s and China Guardian have teamed up to create a series of sales, exhibitions and events in Shanghai in September.
Cartoons by late Astérix creator Albert Uderzo to be auctioned for charity
06 May 2020Cartoons by the late Albert Uderzo (1927-2020) will be offered by his family at a charity auction hosted by Artcurial in Paris.
Fake Mesopotamian antiquities seized at Heathrow airport with help of Border Force officers and the British Museum
05 May 2020A group of Mesopotamian antiquities destined for collectors in the UK was discovered to be fake and seized in an operation by Border Force and the British Museum.
London rare book fair 'Firsts' cancelled and digital event to be launched
05 May 2020'Firsts, London’s Rare Book Fair 2020', has been cancelled for the summer and will instead be replaced with a digital version.
French auctions prepare to return as Drouot aims to reopen on May 25
04 May 2020The Paris auction centre Hôtel Drouot intends to reopen on May 25, pending “any government counter-argument”.
Heritage announces ‘significant expansion’ all on one site
04 May 2020Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas, is consolidating its three offices into one large global headquarters to incorporate offices, salerooms and cataloguing space.