Latest News Articles by Tom Derbyshire
Items from royal milliner Kate Day appear in the saleroom
01 May 2023Kate Day, known as the ‘Queen’s Milliner’, made hats for Queen Elizabeth II even before her coronation and continued afterwards.
Royal role of pioneering photographer Wilding
01 May 2023Pictured here is a signed photo-portrait of the 20-year-old future Queen Elizabeth II and her then 15-year-old younger sister, Princess Margaret.
Wilding portraits on offer in west London
01 May 2023Two signed royal portrait photographs by Dorothy Wilding (1893-1976) will be offered at Chiswick Auctions.
A John Aldridge Great Bardfield picture is among five lots to watch
24 April 2023With estimates from £150, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.
A silver-gilt bell used at George II's coronation is among five lots to watch
17 April 2023With estimates from £200, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.
A rare South African Dinky toy car is among five lots to watch
10 April 2023With estimates from £280, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.
A triptych design for church windows by artist John Piper is among five lots to watch
03 April 2023With estimates from £400, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.
Dictionaries at the double at Newcastle auction
03 April 2023First published in 1755, Samuel Johnson’s 'A Dictionary of the English Language' had taken eight years to compile with six helpers.
Lucie Rie bowl given to her cleaning lady is among five lots to watch this week
27 March 2023With estimates from £300, here are five previews of items coming up at auction.
Ocean liner Art Deco relief surfaces in saleroom
27 March 2023When RMS Queen Mary was launched in 1934 it was not only at the cutting edge of technology but also featured some of the grandest interior designs ever seen aboard an ocean liner.
Aircraft model made in London proves a cut above in Canadian saleroom
27 March 2023Beautiful construction, rarity and interesting history combined to make a British-made cutaway model sought after in a Canadian auction.
Apology from Beatle Harrison to disappointed schoolgirl fan
27 March 2023A letter of apology written by George Harrison after two autograph-hunting schoolgirls got a distinctly unfriendly reception when they turned up on the doorstep of his home took £6100 at auction.
Busby Babe Johnny Berry remembered thanks to medal sale success
27 March 2023In one way, Johnny Berry (1926-94) was luckier than many of Manchester United’s Busby Babes: he survived the Munich air disaster on February 6, 1958, that killed many of his teammates.
Surrealist carpet designed comes with heart and sole
27 March 2023Footprint design telling a story of lost love stars among a selection of ‘out of the ordinary’ collectables lots sold at auction
Early example of Donald Duck merchandise flies high
27 March 2023On June 9, 1934, Donald Duck made his debut in a supporting role in a Silly Symphony cartoon titled The Wise Little Hen.
Tolkien’s family and friends
27 March 2023Middle-Earth history works edited by Christopher and two copies of The Hobbit with interesting links