News

Devolving parliament, evolving prices and resolving deals are covered in our weekly quotes roundup from the art and antiques trade.

The most popular stories on this website over the last week included news of two men from south London being sentenced for selling antique ivory fans on eBay to buyers in China and the US.

A painting by Sir John Lavery (1856-1941) consigned to Irish auctioneer Whyte’s by a man in Lancashire, has been identified as having been stolen 25 years ago from a British public school.

Banksy’s derisive portrayal of The House of Commons reduced to an assembly of primates achieved a record £8.5m (plus premium) in Sotheby’s latest Contemporary Art evening sale.

ATG’s selection of hammer highlights this week includes a Guangxu period ‘dragon’ charger and a whimsical majolica cheese dish that both made over 30-times estimate.

“Good old-fashioned country house auctions are a rarity these days and it is a privilege to organise one against such an historic backdrop.” So says Guy Schwinge of Dorchester auction house Duke’s, referring to the upcoming sale of the contents from Athelhampton House in Dorset.

In a move to increase its digital presence and reach new bidders, Bonhams has agreed a long-term partnership with online auction marketplace thesaleroom.com.