Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
Fern foundations of photography
06 October 2025The botanist, artist and photographer Anna Atkins (1799-1871) is thought to have been the first woman to have created a photograph and the first person to publish a book illustrated with photographic images.
Sale of stand-out limited edition works puts renowned illustrator Rackham in the picture
06 October 2025A private collection of children’s illustrated books formed over the past 50 years provided several stand-out lots in The Collector’s auction held by Catherine Southon (27.6% buyer’s premium inc VAT).
National Trust’s Cragside sells piano at auction to make way for 19th century ‘popstar’s’ Broadwood rosewood model
02 October 2025A grand piano once owned by the celebrated concert pianist Arabella Goddard is back on display where it once held pride of place at Cragside in Northumberland.
Fern foundations of photographs used in books were laid by pioneering botanist Anna Atkins
01 October 2025The botanist, artist and photographer Anna Atkins (1799-1871) is thought to have been the first woman to have created a photograph and the first person to publish a book illustrated with photographic images.
Nelson figurehead that turned heads
29 September 2025This wood and plaster maquette of a carved ship figurehead of Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson was keenly contested when it appeared at the Liverpool saleroom of Adam Partridge.
Medals of Falklands War battle hero up for sale at Noonans
29 September 2025The Battle of Goose Green was relatively small in size but a fierce and important action in the Falklands War, notable for the Victoria Cross awarded posthumously to Colonel ‘H’ Jones of the Parachute Regiment.
Bidders go ape to take Frazetta fantasy art to record high
29 September 2025Frank Frazetta’s cover painting for a 1967 Lancer/Ace Conan paperback, a landmark of modern fantasy art commonly known as Man Ape, sold for a world record $13.5m (£9.99m) including the buyer’s premium at Heritage Auctions.
Wainwright memorabilia keeps hitting the heights
22 September 2025A rare collection of personal correspondence from fell walker, author and illustrator Alfred Wainwright (1907-91) walked away to a new owner in a timed online sale that ended on September 7.
Fossils fuelled religious doubts among naturalists
22 September 2025Naturalist but creationist Agassiz produced a monumental work on ancient species of fish
Helped to escape by nurse Cavell
22 September 2025Halls’ (24% buyer’s premium) Militaria, Naval and Aviation Auction included a medal group with an intriguing link to a famous figure of the First World War, British nurse Edith Cavell.
Extensive archive fleshes out heroic wartime service of a determined and gallant pilot
22 September 2025Acting Lt Cdr Richard Lovelace Bigg-Wither not only had a memorable name but a Second World War career in the Fleet Air Arm that was also definitely one to remember.
French studio pottery stands out in dealer collection sale in New York
22 September 2025Bonhams New York is staging The Jason Jacques Collection, the final sale of the art dealer and gallerist’s “extraordinary” collection.
How Victoria Crosses can be rare but also frequently seen at auction
22 September 2025An honour hailing from the Second World War demonstrates the peculiarity of this collecting market
India flag first to fly in the UK emerges at auction
15 September 2025The national flag of India on offer at west London saleroom Lots Road in a Two Day Fine Interiors Auction was by the appearance alone seemingly nothing special.
Burges jade bowl revealed as Bedford museum purchase from Scottish auction
15 September 2025The long journey through private collections, auctions and dealerships taken by a William Burges (1827-81) jade bowl has ended at a museum and art gallery in Bedford, it has emerged.
Rare prison records judged to be worth an £11,000 bid
15 September 2025Calendars listing details of prisoners in a 17th century gaol prove popular in North Yorkshire saleroom