Latest News Articles by Roland Arkell
Blanchard spread his wings to be the leading manufacturer of terracotta in Britain
15 May 2023This rare pair of late 19th century terracotta eagles, each standing 2ft 2in (64cm) high have indistinct marks for Blanchard Terracotta London.
Pick of the week: Keen as mustard on a Lambeth rarity
15 May 2023In January this year three photos of a salt glaze stoneware jar appeared on the Facebook feed of the Oxfordshire Antique Bottle Collecting Club.
Mitten worn on 1953 Everest expedition sold at Hansons
15 May 2023A left-hand cotton mitten owned by John Hunt (1910-98), leader of the successful British Expedition to the summit of Mount Everest, sold for £3200 (plus 25% buyer’s premium) at Hansons in Bishton Hall, Staffordshire, on May 10.
Exceptional slice of dessert on offer with tasty Ewenny
15 May 2023The Welsh Sale held by Rogers Jones (24/15% buyer’s premium) in Cardiff on April 1 included an exceptional Swansea porcelain dessert plate.
Pocket watch expert’s exceptional collection catches the eye at Bonhams
15 May 2023Some exceptional pocket watches were offered for sale at Bonhams in Knightsbridge on May 11.
Pioneering Arrowsmith atlas admired for elegance
15 May 2023The County Durham-born cartographer John Arrowsmith (1790-1873) was responsible for one of the first ‘modern’ atlases of the 19th century.
Portrait miniature sleeper stars in our pick of five auction highlights
12 May 2023ATG’s weekly selection of items that caught bidders’ eyes includes a portrait miniature that sold for 160-times estimate after bidders identified it as an Indian prince by the great John Smart.
Exceptional 18th century pocket watch is among five lots to watch
08 May 2023With estimates from £400, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.
An astronomical price paid for Mamluk manuscript
08 May 2023A 13th century Mamluk (Egyptian or Syrian) manuscript on astronomy sold for a surprise £140,000 (plus 25% buyer’s premium) in south London on April 28.
Definitely not selling for buttons: Lucie Rie moulds make £4200
08 May 2023Two moulds for making buttons, given by studio potter Lucie Rie (1902-95) to her cleaning lady, were sold at a London auction on March 29.
Renowned candlestick back in the limelight at Stowmarket sale
08 May 2023Estimated at £15,000-20,000, this 8½in (22cm) Elizabeth I or James I pewter bell-based candlestick sold to a private UK collector bidding online for £25,000 (plus 25% buyer’s premium) as part of the Chapman collection at Bishop & Miller in Stowmarket on April 27.
The incredible story of Aristophil
08 May 2023Involving a string of spectacular works, the saga of the collapsed French firm is worth a novel itself
From Horatio Nelson to a Hebrew bible and Ulysses to the BFG: a selection of upcoming auction highlights
08 May 2023Stand-out lots to watch out for in UK, Irish, European and US sales of books and works on paper
Pick of the week: Coconut cup could be booty from infamous pirate Black Bart’s defeat
08 May 2023Rising to be Admiral of the Fleet during the War of the Spanish Succession, Sir Chaloner Ogle (1680-1750) had a distinguished career in the Royal Navy.
Crowning glory: George II coronation relic rings a bell
01 May 2023George II coronation bell has considerable regal appeal at £7200
A Victorian majolica dish is among six lots to watch
01 May 2023With estimates from £100, here are six previews of upcoming items.
Pick of the week: Support band turned out to be The Sex Pistols
01 May 2023This rare rock and pop poster advertises a performance by ‘Bazooka Joe’ with ‘Support Band’ at the common room of St Martin’s Art School on November 6, 1975. Entrance was 50p.
UK still holds its own despite overseas focus
01 May 2023Once the centre of the Asian art trade, and still the repository for some of the most knowledgeable dealers on the subject, the London market has weakened in recent years.