Latest News Articles by Matt Ball
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
A Royal 'paint off': Who painted it best - the King or commoner?
10 July 2025A new exhibition of works from King Charles’ private collection allows a comparison of His Majesty's handiwork and a professional artist.
Introduction: The hot ticket
23 June 2025Summer brings us both fine weather and fine art. It is the perfect time to get out and about.
Collector Interview: From Little Red Riding Hood to a nationwide exhibition
12 May 2025Helen Day is a language teacher, collector of Ladybird books and expert on the history of the books and the company behind them.
Philosopher born into slavery
12 May 2025Greek philosopher Epictetus (c.50-c.135AD) is best-known for his contribution to Stoicism.
Selling art in challenging times: Art Market Report 2025
12 May 2025A recent survey reveals a drop in dealers’ sales combined with a sharp rise in costs
Education, education, education at Fellows
05 May 2025The Jewellery department at Fellows Auctioneers in Birmingham is celebrating three new qualifications for its team.
UK regains second place as global art market cools
14 April 2025The global art market contracted by 12% in 2024, achieving an estimated $57.5bn in total sales, according the latest edition of The Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report. It found that this decline reflects “ongoing geopolitical tensions, economic pressures, and shifting buyer behaviours”.
Trade urged to be alert over financial sanctions reporting
14 April 2025Art market businesses in the UK will shortly become subject to reporting requirements for financial sanctions.
UK regains second place as global art market cools
11 April 2025The global art market contracted by 12% in 2024, achieving an estimated $57.5bn in total sales, according to a new report.
The tale of Great Aunt Betty, key British designer of the 1920s-30s and a fiercely independent woman
03 March 2025“To the inhabitants of Wyndham Road, an unremarkable cul-desac of bungalows in Andover in Hampshire, Mary Stewart Lockhart, the white-haired old lady in number 5, must have seemed equally unremarkable… None of them could have realised that between the World Wars she had been one of the leading furniture makers, designers and businesswomen in the country.”