Latest News Articles by Matt Ball
McCullough's typewriter and earliest-known manuscript for The Thorn Birds emerges
15 September 2025The best-selling book in Australian history, with more than 30 million copies purchased is 'The Thorn Birds', a novel by Colleen McCullough published in 1977.
Latest fine art auctions in Australia show strong demand
15 September 2025Auction records are tumbling this year in Australia. Strong property prices, a buoyant stock market and a government with a clear mandate – after a landslide victory for Labor in May – are all contributing to confidence among buyers.
Queen of the Waters ended up in Victoria
15 September 2025Robert Steele and Company was a partnership formed in 1816 in Greenock, Scotland, between shipbuilder Robert Steele (1745-1830) and his two sons, James and Robert, that became associated with the term ‘Clydebuilt’ ships.
Dieter Rams: Designer whose influence was not left on the shelf
15 September 2025From electronics to furniture, Dieter Rams laid the foundations for modern industrial design
Minnie showcased for max effect
15 September 2025Often remembered as the matriarch of an artistically gifted family, Emma Minnie Boyd (1858-1936) was an artist in her own right, exhibiting prolifically in Australia and also at the Royal Academy of Art in London.
Cricket books dealer finally out
08 September 2025A sale appropriately titled Close of Play to be held by Knights Sporting Auctions features 500 items from one of the trade’s stalwart books dealers.
After 45 years of trading, cricketing books dealer shuts up shop and sells collection at auction
01 September 2025The first part of Christopher Saunders’ stock will be offered on September 13
Fake or Fortune? Just ask ATG readers to decide
01 September 2025With the current series of BBC TV show Fake or Fortune? having finished its run, it’s time to check ATG readers’ predictions of the outcome for each picture.
Hedgehogs inspired health kick
01 September 2025A Swarovski crystal collection assembled over four decades will be auctioned at Potteries Auctions in Newcastle-under-Lyme following the death of its 90-year-old owner in December 2024.
Rare Wainwright correspondence arrives at auction
30 August 2025Letters to fellwalking pen pal to be sold in Cumbria
Swarovski critters that prompted a healthier lifestyle head to auction
29 August 2025A crystal collection assembled over four decades will be offered at Potteries Auctions following the death of its 90-year-old owner in December.
Dick Fosbury’s Olympic gold medal soars at auction
26 August 2025In a poignant tribute to one of track and field's most revolutionary figures, items once owned by Olympic high jump gold medallist Dick Fosbury have been sold by Heritage Auctions in Dallas.
Sci-fi sitcom actor Chris Barrie loves old stuff too
25 August 2025Enamel signs are among the items from actor Chris Barrie that will be sold in Dorset next month.
Lost for 400 years, rediscovered still-life sets record for enigmatic French artist
18 August 2025A rare and striking work by Lubin Baugin sets the highest price for the artist at auction
Signs of the times: collectors to bid for piece of British retail history at auction of WH Smith archive
18 August 2025The sale ends on August 31 at Chorley’s in Prinknash Abbey Park, Cheltenham.
Red Dwarf star’s automobilia collection heads to auction
15 August 2025Enamel signs are among the items from actor Chris Barrie that will be sold in September in Dorset.
Four major Australian paintings to go under the hammer at Smith & Singer
13 August 2025Works by Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton, Grace Cossington Smith, and Howard Arkley to be offered for sale on August 19
Rediscovered rare still-life by enigmatic French painter heads to auction
13 August 2025The recently-found work by Lubin Baugin will be offered for sale at French auction house Vichy Enchères on August 16.
North-east art stars in dealer’s retirement sale at Elstob
11 August 2025A notable collection of paintings, with a strong emphasis on north-east landscapes and coastal scenes, will be offered for sale on Thursday 28 August.
Martel Maides hits 50 and is set for a new home
21 July 2025Onwards and upwards as Guernsey auction house thrives on island life