Auctioneers

The auction process is a key part of the secondary art and antiques market.

Firms of auctioneers usually specialise in a number of fields such as jewellery, ceramics, paintings, Asian art or coins but many also hold general sales where the goods available are not defined by a particular genre and are usually lower in value.

Auctioneers often provide other services such as probate and insurance valuations.

Walking cane

Fresh-to-market walking canes stroll to Surrey sale

14 August 2026

A unique collection of carved novelty walking canes comes to auction at Ewbank’s of Send, Surrey, on September 25, for the first time a century after they were made.

Hans Coper artwork

Pick of the week: Hans Coper Cycladic arrow form hits the spot in collection devoted to craftsmanship

14 August 2026

A sale of items from the holdings of a pioneer ‘craft’ collector at Rago-Wright in Lambertville, New Jersey, was topped by a Cycladic arrow form by Hans Coper (1920-81).

Marble relief

Tim Wonnacott returns to the saleroom with auction of his collection

14 August 2026

Tim Wonnacott, former Sotheby’s chairman and best known for presenting BBC’s Bargain Hunt and narrating Antiques Road Trip, has consigned his collection to Sworders this month.

The Tent Family by David Bomberg

Demand for ‘Tents’ reflects rising prices for Bomberg

14 August 2026

Underlining the growing demand for David Bomberg (1890-1957) over recent years, a work on paper titled ‘The Tent Family’ recently appeared at auction for the third time in 10 years, selling for a greater amount on each occasion.

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Bottle find from beach in Bridlington was made for sauce in Australia

14 August 2026

While the Elsecar Heritage Centre in Barnsley is undergoing major restoration work and drainage improvements, many contractors on site have had cause to thank the staff at bottle and advertising specialist BBR Auctions (20% buyer’s premium).

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Manuscripts, atlases and maps and much more from a superb sale

14 August 2026

Our second report covering the auction that made the highest total for a UK various-owner book sale

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Dunhill cigar box smokin’ hot at £7500

14 August 2026

A popular lot at Jacobs & Hunt (25% buyer’s premium) in Liss, Hampshire, on July 16 was this Alfred Dunhill Aquarium walnut and lucite cigar or cigarette box.

John Pye

News in brief including news of the death of John Pye Auctions founder

14 August 2026

A round-up of art and antiques news from the previous seven days, including news of the death of John Pye Auctions founder.

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Warmer side of sculptor Lehmbruck comes out in a sculpture of his wife

14 August 2026

The sculptor Wilhelm Lehmbruck (1881-1919) is primarily known for creating figures which embody pain and suffering.

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Massive Moorcroft marvel was made for the British Empire Exhibition in 1924

14 August 2026

A Moorcroft Moonlit Blue Landscape vase made for the British Empire Exhibition in Wembley in 1924 led the Design sale at Lay’s (21% buyer’s premium) in Penzance on July 23.

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Royal Hospital painted by Samuel Scott when views of London were the height of fashion

14 August 2026

An early view of the Royal Hospital in Greenwich was among the lots generating interest at Sloane Street Auctions (26.5% buyer’s premium) in London this summer.

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Hey Diddle Diddle, it’s delftware on sale day

14 August 2026

Bonhams’ mixed-owner ceramics sale on June 24-25 featured two exceptional English delftware dishes from ‘a distinguished family collection’ outside the UK.

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Ceramics collecting outside a comfort zone

14 August 2026

Couple fascinated by worldwide development of ceramics – but with early English makers also prominent

Alexander ‘Sandy’ Rich

Dealers' collection of the Glorious Peace of 1814 comes to auction

14 August 2026

Dealer about to sell his collection at auction explains his fascination with events a year before Waterloo

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Highly rated Royal Worcester firmly in five figures

14 August 2026

Prices for artist-decorated Royal Worcester porcelain have been waning since the collecting peak of the previous century. However, very substantial sums are still possible for the best of the genre.

Rountree Tryon

New gallery for London art dealer and international hires across auction houses

13 August 2026

The latest updates from the world of art and antiques includes Rountree Tryon expanding in St James's and new hires at Rago/Wright, Freeman's and Sotheby's

Diego Maradona ‘Hand of God’ ball

World Cup memorabilia: Heritage Auctions offer famed ‘Hand of God’ football

12 August 2026

The ball used in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final game between Argentina and England is up for sale on a timed auction at Heritage Auctions.

In The Orchard by Alfred Parsons

Healthy harvest: Alfred Parsons bucolic views bring bidding at separate salerooms

12 August 2026

Large views of the British countryside, garden paintings and botanical studies are the most popular works when it comes to Somerset-born Alfred Parsons (1847-1920).

A cigarette card with boxer Tommy Warren

Rare design helps boxer’s cigarette card punch well above estimate

12 August 2026

A cigarette card depicting US prize-fighter Tommy Warren sold for £5200 at Loddon Auctions on August 5, smashing its estimate of £100-150.

Gold Conundrum egg

House record for Batemans as Cadbury’s Conundrum egg brings spectacular bidding

11 August 2026

A 22ct gold Cadbury’s Conundrum egg made a huge return for the vendor when it reappeared on the auction block this summer.

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