Latest News Articles by Laura Chesters
Stolen Afghan sculpture to return home after being spotted at UK auction
21 January 2020An Afghan limestone sculpture believed to have been stolen during the Afghan civil war (1992-94), when Kabul was besieged, surfaced at an auction house in the UK last year.
UK buyer sought for £2.5m collection of botanical drawings blocked from export
21 January 2020The UK government is seeking a buyer to pay £2.5m for a group of 18th century botanical drawings.
Guilty pleas heard in Pittsburgh library theft
20 January 2020Two men have pleaded guilty in connection with the theft of rare books and manuscripts from the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Eight Victorian animal troughs stolen since September
20 January 2020A total of eight Victorian stone animal troughs have been stolen in recent months, with the latest two disappearing from Tunbridge Wells in Kent.
New decade, new premises: six dealers opening new shops
20 January 2020Here is a selection of gallery updates, including a new showroom and shop for a Hertfordshire business dating back to the 19th century.
The scientific side of collecting: author explains her passion for Chinese export porcelain
20 January 2020Shirley Mueller is a US neuroscientist, author and Asian art collector focused on Chinese export porcelain. Her book 'Inside the Head of a Collector: Neuropsychological Forces at Play' has recently been published.
Rare Edward VIII sovereign sets new British coin record at £1m
17 January 2020A UK private collector has paid £1m for a 22ct Edward VIII coin, helping the 1937 sovereign regain its place as what is believed to be the most expensive British coin.
Medieval guide for female hermits blocked from export in hope of finding UK buyer
16 January 2020The UK government’s arts minister Helen Whately has placed an export bar on a 15th century Middle English manuscript in the hope of finding a buyer to keep it in the UK.
Call for owners of art and antiques to take part in new BBC programme
16 January 2020BBC One is calling for owners of art and antiques to take part in a new day-time TV show called 'The Bidding Room'.
New faces across the art and antiques market - the latest Movers and Shakers
15 January 2020An update from across the world of art and antiques including new joiners at Cheffins.
Carnegie Library rare books theft: men plead guilty in US county court
14 January 2020Two men pleaded guilty in connection with the theft of rare books and manuscripts from the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Shakespeare’s First Folio comes to auction at Christie’s with $4-6m estimate
13 January 2020William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies, often referred to as the ‘First Folio’, is regarded as the greatest work of the English language.
Elstob moves to permanent space in Ripon
13 January 2020Auction house Elstob & Elstob has relocated to larger premises after just a year of trading.
Old Master specialist hosts seminar on the art of connoisseurship
11 January 2020An Old Master specialist previously at Sotheby’s is hosting a seminar on connoisseurship and its role in the art world at Olympia Auctions in west London later this month.
Anti-money laundering regulation - the art market must begin compliance
10 January 2020The art market must now comply with the latest anti-money laundering law – despite a lack of clarity around some elements of the regulation.
Antiques dealer calls on trade to help recover stolen painting after break-in
09 January 2020An art and antiques dealer in Hastings is hoping fellow members of the trade can help him recover items stolen from his shop during a break-in last month.
Two dozen vintage enamel advertising signs stolen from railway on the McAlpine estate
08 January 2020Around 24 enamel advertising signs that were part of a private Victorian steam railway on the McAlpine estate at Fawley Hill in Buckinghamshire have been stolen.
New faces, locations and auction schedules - the latest Movers and Shakers across the art and antiques market
08 January 2020An update from across the world of art and antiques including a new joiner at Duke’s and a new saleroom for Elstob & Elstob.
British Museum buys 18th century Indian watercolour miniature to prevent its export overseas
07 January 2020An 18th century watercolour miniature by one of India’s greatest painters has been saved for the nation by the British Museum.
Bonhams launches fashion and handbags auctions in Knightsbridge
07 January 2020A handbag and fashion department has been created within Bonhams’ luxury division in its Knightsbridge saleroom.