Latest News Articles by Roland Arkell
Even freedom came at a cost
27 May 2024This humble but hugely powerful object is a Charleston free badge, an oval copper planchet worn by a freed African slave in South Carolina in the 1780s.
Tiffany is tops at Toomey's first period jewellery sale
27 May 2024Snake bracelet among the highlights as period jewellery makes a Chicago auction debut
Cruikshank boxes clever with trio of sought-after fighters
27 May 2024Television host's collection yields rare studies at London auction
Pair of paintings reveal marine artist Salmon’s working roots in Scotland
27 May 2024Two oils by the Anglo-American marine artist Robert Salmon, painted while he lived and worked in Scotland, were offered by Stair Galleries (28% buyer’s premium) in Hudson, New York, on April 25.
Hungarian ‘big name’ makes an impact in the US market
27 May 2024In his native Hungary, Károly Patkó (1895-1941) is a recognised name in early 20th century art.
Doyle's samples Lalique's successes before the glass
27 May 2024René Lalique had already enjoyed a hugely successful career as a jewellery designer in the Art Nouveau taste before he ventured into glass manufacture and the Art Deco.
Modern design: Why Pesce preferred the far from perfect
27 May 2024Designer Gaetano Pesce liked ‘beauty full of mistakes’, an approach reflected in his playful creations
Yachting trophy won by railroad baron finds buyer in New York
27 May 2024Marion Antique Auctions’ (23% buyer’s premium) May 4 sale included a 1913 yachting trophy made for the winner of the Eastern Yacht Club Cruise. That winner turned out to be Elena, a 136ft vessel owned by railroad baron Morton Plant (1852-1918).
Spectacular Steinway grand piano goes under the hammer at Nadeau's
27 May 2024A spectacular 19th century Steinway concert grand piano sold for $80,000 (£64,000) at Nadeau’s (23% buyer’s premium).
Memphis Milano made its mark
27 May 2024The Memphis Miliano design movement was born on the evening of December 11, 1980, when architect-designer Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007) invited young creators and architects to discuss the future of Italian ‘post-modern’ design.
New auction high for an English silver coin
24 May 2024An auction record for an English silver coin has been set in Zürich.
American ‘freed slave’ badge soars above estimate at Ohio auction
22 May 2024This humble but hugely powerful object is a Charleston free badge, an oval copper planchet worn by a freed African slave in South Carolina in the 1780s.
Roma Numismatics to close doors this week
20 May 2024London ancient coin dealers and auctioneers Roma Numismatics is to close.
Christie’s sales go ahead despite cyber attack
20 May 2024Auction house Christie’s went ahead with its sales last week as planned despite suffering a ‘technology security incident’ that brought down its website.
Italian artist's detailed view of London exhibition emerges in Rome auction
20 May 2024Although the image may be familiar from stereoscopic photographs and engravings of the period, this view of the 1862 'London International Exhibition of Industry and Art' is an oil and canvas by the Italian painter Federico Moja (1802-85).
French Revolutionary bonnet is among five lots to watch
20 May 2024With estimates from £400, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week
Flowers to soothe the pain of St Helena exile
20 May 2024This wreath of helichrysum (immortelle or everlasting) flowers was apparently sent to Napoleon on St Helena as a token of support from two of his sympathisers in London.
Laying down the laws for monks
20 May 2024Manuscript ‘sold in 1776’ at forerunner of Sotheby’s emerges in New York sale
London’s ‘curious gardens’ inspired German botanist
20 May 2024Published between 1750-73, Plantae selectae quarum imagines ad exemplaria naturalia Londini in hortis curiosorum (‘A selection of plants from natural specimens nurtured in London’s curious gardens’) is considered the most important botanical work ever printed in Germany.