News

An early autumn mixed hors d’oeuvres of silver and European ceramics went under the hammer at Sotheby’s Olympia (20/12% buyer’s premium) on October 2. Roughly two-thirds of the 375 lots were devoted to silver and vertu, and the remaining third to ceramics, but it was the latter that provided half of the ten highest prices, including what proved to be very much the top lot of the day.

First introduced c.1809, the ‘Caramanian’ series represent one of Spode’s most popular early 19th century pattern ranges.

THE Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors have launched a Business Rates helpline which offers free advice to businesses across the UK. There is also a new, easy to understand leaflet available by calling the same number – 0870 333 1600.

THE RICS have issued detailed advice on gun safety in the saleroom. The advice follows the recent case where an auctioneer was fined after a professional musician lost part of his finger when a starting pistol was discharged in the saleroom.

THE Wallace Collection have gone into partnership with French art training provider IESA to develop a postgraduate diploma in the History and Business of Art and Collecting.

APPLICATIONS from dealers to join the first National Fine Art and Antiques Fair, to be held at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre next year from January 28 to February 1, already suggest that this could be a major player on the national fairs scene.

THE Portobello Management Committee have reached an agreement with Kensington and Chelsea council to safeguard the character and traditions of London’s best-known antiques thoroughfare.