Latest News Articles by Roland Arkell
Pick of the week: Tiffany ‘orchidomania’ returns with auction of tiger orchid brooch
27 April 2020Of all the sensational jewellery displayed by Tiffany at the 1889 Paris Exposition Universelle the most memorable was a group of 24 enamelled orchid brooches.
Covent Garden during the time of Cromwell among lots to be offered at Sotheby's online auction
27 April 2020Following the success of the dedicated online sale of works from the collection of Old Masters dealer Rafael Valls, which more than tripled the high estimate to gross £1.6m (see Art Market in this issue), Sotheby’s will conduct its mid-season sale of Old Masters as an online event.
Sharp eyes spot top blade at Grantham auction
27 April 2020Ken tanto, distinguished by double-edged blades, are one of the rarer styles of Japanese sword. Most were made as Buddhist ritual implements rather than weapons and are decorated accordingly.
Elvis Presley debut single, a Chinese vase and a Victorian snuff box are among five lots to watch at auction this week
27 April 2020With estimates from £200-1000, here are five previews of upcoming items this week.
Ingenious chalices conceal Catholic purpose
27 April 2020The Penal Laws weigh heavily on the history of Ireland. Before they were largely repealed in the period 1778-93, the series of statutes were imposed in an attempt to force Irish Catholics (and Protestant dissenters) to accept the established Church of Ireland.
Summers Place Auctions' last-minute decision to take remote bids only pays off
27 April 2020The sale at garden statuary specialist Summers Place Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) in Billingshurst on March 24 (the day after lockdown) was among the first conducted under new government restrictions on social distancing.
Auction previews: issue 2440
27 April 2020The auction calendar has been much changed by Covid-19 restrictions. However, as indicated by these lots offered for sale in April, some UK auction houses continue to transact behind closed doors holding ‘live online’ sales with bids taken via bidding platforms such as thesaleroom.com or over the phone.
Qwerty minded: typewriters tempt bidders in German sale
27 April 2020Specialist auction house sells early versions hailing from the US
Specialist dealer plays his cards right with new website
27 April 2020Dealer Timothy Millett, a specialist in historical medals and associated works of art, has launched a website to sell greeting cards based on images of some of his favourite objects.
Lizzie: the biggest and best Hornby loco
27 April 2020Appearing in 1937, a couple of years after the locomotive itself was launched, the LMS Princess Elizabeth was the biggest and best locomotive that Hornby ever made.
17th century longcase clock and first English edition of Moomin book are among four auction highlights that caught bidders’ eyes
24 April 2020ATG’s selection of hammer highlights this week includes a 17th century walnut longcase clock by London maker Henry Jones that made over seven-times estimate.
Antique jewellery auction to benefit National Emergencies Trust
21 April 2020A gold and garnet red cross, known as a symbol of help and support around the world, is among the highlights of an online jewellery charity auction to be held by Elmwood’s auctioneers in West London on Thursday.
New faces at Sworders, Phillips and Bonhams - the latest Movers and Shakers from auction houses
21 April 2020Among the latest appointments across auction firms, Sarah Flynn has left Cheffins to join Sworders.
Charles II era purse stars in US online show
20 April 2020Following the raft of recent Covid-19 cancellations, The Antique Dealers’ Association of America (ADA) is seeking to help its members with an online antiques exhibition.
Pick of the week: Pastiche clock is the real deal for buyer
20 April 2020This monumental English longcase clock sold in a Massachusetts auction is a remarkable exercise in antiquarianism.
German daguerreotypes in the frame at Chiswick sale
20 April 2020Trudpert Schneider (1804-99), a Freiburg carpenter whose first brush with photography was to repair a broken box camera, is today deemed one of Germany’s most important daguerreotypists. The photographic firm he founded in 1847 continued under the management of his sons Heinrich and Wilhelm until 1921.
A Catalonian gold coin, a Star Wars toy and a Victorian silhouette picture, here are five previews from upcoming sales this week
20 April 2020With estimates from £100-2500 here are five previews of upcoming items this week.
Pump action in Wiltshire
20 April 2020Richard Edmonds (20% buyer’s premium) in Chippenham, Wiltshire, has sold some very rare British petrol pump globes in the past year – including a globe for the little-known brand Dominion (£13,000 in November).
Architects of a house sale success at Dreweatts
20 April 2020Contents of Palladian home in County Durham provide showpiece auction in Newbury
Auction previews: issue 2439
20 April 2020The auction calendar has been much changed by Covid-19 restrictions. However, as indicated by these lots offered for sale in April, some UK auction houses continue to transact behind closed doors holding ‘live online’ sales with bids taken via bidding platforms such as thesaleroom.com or over the phone.