Auctioneers

Auctioneers and their guests headed to the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers’ (SOFAA) dinner held recently at the Royal Thames Yacht Club in Knightsbridge.

The sales at Stride & Son (21.6% buyer’s premium inc VAT) in Chichester on September 1-2 included a trio of avidly contested items, each a rarity in three highly specialised collecting areas.

Two abstract landscapes by Denis Wirth-Miller (1915-2010) were among the works in demand at the latest Post-War and Contemporary art sale held at Lyon & Turnbull (26% buyer’s premium) in Edinburgh.

Inscribed to her husband and fellow poet, Ted Hughes, the dedication copy of the first and only collection of Sylvia Plath’s verses to be published in her lifetime, The Colossus and other Poems, sold for a record £75,000.

The latest in a series of auctions to draw on the private library of one of the more prominent antiquarian book dealers of his generation, William S Reese (1955-2018), ran from September 1-14 at Christie’s New York (26/20/14.5% buyer’s premium).

Usually overshadowed by the art that lies within, it is often forgotten that frames themselves can be a fundamental part of the overall value.

Does the Contemporary art auction market need levelling up?

Apparently Sally Arnup (1930-2015) knew she was going to be a sculptor from the age of five – taking a shed in the family garden as a studio.

Distinctive plaques made to mark births are unique to the Suffolk town’s porcelain factory.

Even if you do not know the name Bob McGinnis (b.1926) you will probably be familiar with his work.

Novelty condiment sets inspired by the far reaches of the British Empire are a feature of Victorian silver.

Two albums of photographs taken by fellow cricketer and friend pitch in at four-figure sum.

Following on from its first dispersal of works from the collection of dealer and collector Claude de Marteau held by Bonhams in Paris this June, the second sale takes place in the French capital on October 4, held by Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr.

Revered in the world of railway modelling, the name James Stanley Beeson (1906-90), better known as Stan Beeson, attracted well-heeled collectors and specialist dealers to Tennants’ (22% buyer’s premium) sale on July 27.

Five works by Maggi Hambling (b.1945) will be offered at Cambridge saleroom Cheffins on October 27.

“Parker has created the first regular frames auction with a dedicated catalogue in more than 10 years. It is great to see.”

In 1936 society florist Constance Spry (1886-1960) collaborated with the stage designer Oliver Messel (1904-78) and the Fulham Pottery to produce planters for the coronation of Edward VIII.