Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
Shannon’s Lady in a Black Hat inspired Augustus John
06 January 2025British artist Charles Haslewood Shannon (1863-1937) is closely associated with the Bloomsbury Group, the collective of writers, intellectuals, and artists in early 20th-century London.
British artist Shannon's Lady in a Black Hat revealed to be a model who also inspired Augustus John
02 January 2025British artist Charles Haslewood Shannon (1863-1937) is closely associated with the Bloomsbury Group, the famous collective of writers, intellectuals and artists in early 20th-century London.
Pick of the Week: Vardon into the swing of things
30 December 2024Unless you are a golfer, the name Harry Vardon is probably not a familiar one.
Cup recognised gallantry of Major Nunn
30 December 2024A George III Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund silver presentation two-handled covered cup was offered as part of the Fine Decorative Arts sale at Bonhams (28/27/21/14.5% buyer’s premium) in London.
Trafalgar swords shine brightest among Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund prizes
30 December 2024The Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund was formed at a meeting of merchants and underwriters at the Lloyd’s Coffee House in London in July 1803, to reward those who had displayed significant valour in the defence of Britain. The funds came via public subscription.
Napoleon may have been foiled in his wishes for exile but at least he enjoyed wine and fresh food
30 December 2024A pair of pistols that were presented by Napoleon just six weeks after his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo hammered at £30,000 in Thomas Del Mar’s sale of Fine Antique Arms, Armour & Militaria held at Olympia Auctions (25% buyer’s premium).
Hans Coper mural to go on display in Winchester after auction purchase
27 December 2024The Hans Coper (1920-81) mural that sold at a recent auction in Germany will be going in display in the UK this month, it has emerged.
Hansons moves into Cornwall taking over Barbara Kirk’s former saleroom
18 December 2024Auction house Hansons has expanded to Cornwall after taking over the premises run by Barbara Kirk until her recent retirement.
Bring me sunshine and an Eric Morecambe pipe
16 December 2024British comedy star Eric Morecambe’s (1926-84) lifetime collection of showbiz memorabilia and personal treasures are set for auction at Hansons on January 10-11.
Commedia dell’arte plate is among six lots to watch
09 December 2024With estimates from £400, here are six previews of items coming up at auction this week
Complete collection of Kelmscott Press books comes for sale for the first time
09 December 2024A complete collection of the books published by Kelmscott Press – the passion project of William Morris (1834-96) – will be offered at auction for the first time at Bonhams in New York on December 17.
McQueen’s shirt swap was a final one-off
09 December 2024Graham Budd’s (24% buyer’s premium) On the Road to Manchester & The Kits of Legends Auction on October 1-2 included memorabilia from former Red Devils Gordon McQueen (1952-2023), David McCreery (b.1957) and Viv Anderson (b.1956).
1966 World Cup masterplan revealed in a simple suitcase
09 December 2024A suitcase given by a famous football manager to his next-door neighbours contained a winning formula
Liverpool FC player McLean could be the first footballer to make a debut on a cigarette card
09 December 2024When Liverpool FC played their first-ever Football League fixture in the second division in September 1893 the left-back was a Scot called Duncan McLean (1868-1941).
Baggies glory days recalled by John Kaye memorabilia
09 December 2024The late 1960s was a glorious time to be a Baggies fan.
Macintyre Moorcroft chalice is among five lots to watch
02 December 2024With estimates from £1200, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week
Tarot cards sell for more than foreseen
02 December 2024A rare set of Belgian tarot cards, c.1750, came from the Estate of Christopher Rayner, long-standing member of the International Society of Playing Cards and at various times secretary, chairman, vice-president and president of the society.
Lowestoft birth tablet is among five lots to watch
25 November 2024With estimates from £2000, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week