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.

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Not for tourists: Carved wooden stool was intended for Polynesian high society rather than the newcomers

06 October 2025

So-called no’oanga stools from Rurutu Island, the northernmost island of the Austral archipelago in Polynesia, are distinct in their deep seats and solid curving legs terminating in button-like feet.

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Daubigny moonlight view in the spotlight

06 October 2025

The late 1850s to early 1860s was a significant period in the career of French painter Charles-François Daubigny (1817-78).

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Crumbs… biscuit tin takes £5200

06 October 2025

Among the most desirable of all novelty biscuit tins is the William Crawford & Sons sports coupe.

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Huge amount of pre-sale interest prompts extra spear research

06 October 2025

Like the no’oanga stool sold by Woolley & Wallis, the Polynesian ceremonial spears or staffs known as to’o also originate from the Austral Islands of Rurutu.

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Aronson sets the scene for a surprise dramatic bids battle

06 October 2025

American actor, singer, dancer, director, and photographer Joel Grey (b.1932) is perhaps best known for his portrayal of the master of ceremonies in both the Broadway and film versions of the musical Cabaret.

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Teapots galore served in sale

06 October 2025

The owners of Kent’s Teapot Island museum are selling their collection of more than 8500 novelty teapots, thought to be the second-largest group in the world.

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Naval action engraving sold ‘with the wind at our backs’

06 October 2025

A hand-coloured engraving of an Anglo- American naval battle in 1779 hammered for $5200 against a $1000-1500 guide at Swann Auction Galleries (25% buyer’s premium) in New York City.

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Danish delights: Romantic landscape attracts highest UK auction price for 19th century painter

06 October 2025

A strong selection of European pictures gave a boost to the latest specialist picture sale held at Salisbury saleroom Woolley & Wallis’ (27/26% buyer’s premium).

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Dust jacket helps Golding classic to fly at auction

06 October 2025

When William Golding (1911-93) wrote his debut novel Lord of the Flies in 1953 it was rejected by nine publishers and damned as ‘rubbish and dull’ before being picked up by Faber & Faber.

Vincent Paravicini by Glyn Philpot

News in brief including the upcoming auction of Syrie Maugham's collection

06 October 2025

A round-up of art and antiques news from the previous seven days, including news of Dreweatts offering the collection of interior designer Syrie Maugham.

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Dealer Nimbus Antiques to stage retirement sale at Bamfords

06 October 2025

Former LAPADA member, furniture dealer Nimbus Antiques in north Derbyshire, is closing and plans a retirement auction at local saleroom Bamfords.

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Liotard history painting is a real rarity

06 October 2025

Jean-Étienne Liotard (1702-89) made his name creating rococo pastel portraits of the European elite. However, in his formative years as a painter he had harboured loftier artistic ambitions as a history painter.

Annie Oakley’s gun

Gun owned by ‘rifle queen’ Annie Oakley set to be targeted by collectors

03 October 2025

A UK gun collector has consigned a target rife owned by legendary Victorian sharpshooter Annie Oakley to auction in East Sussex.

The Winter Egg by Fabergé

Christie’s to offer Fabergé Winter Egg with estimate ‘in excess’ of £20m

03 October 2025

Christie’s will offer one of only six privately owned Fabergé Imperial Easter eggs as part of its Classic Week of sales in London in December.

Broadwood piano

National Trust’s Cragside sells piano at auction to make way for 19th century ‘popstar’s’ Broadwood rosewood model

02 October 2025

A grand piano once owned by the celebrated concert pianist Arabella Goddard is back on display where it once held pride of place at Cragside in Northumberland.

Edward VI portrait

Edward VI portrait goes on view at Hampton Court Palace after selling at Roseberys

01 October 2025

A portrait of King Edward VI that sold at a Roseberys auction earlier this year has gone on public display at Hampton Court Palace.

Leaf

Fern foundations of photographs used in books were laid by pioneering botanist Anna Atkins

01 October 2025

The botanist, artist and photographer Anna Atkins (1799-1871) is thought to have been the first woman to have created a photograph and the first person to publish a book illustrated with photographic images.

Luton Hoo

Film location and historic home Luton Hoo plans auction ahead of major refurbishment

30 September 2025

Furniture and accessories from the historic country estate Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire are coming to auction.

Madonna and Child painting

Bidding battle in Banbury propels Old Master to six-figure sum

29 September 2025

A Madonna and Child painting, catalogued as by an ‘Italian Old Master’, took an astonishing £685,000 hammer price at an auction in Banbury.

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Fellows takes on new owner and aims for higher value consignments

29 September 2025

Auction house Fellows has a new owner, with 100% of the business - previously owned by the Whittaker family - having been sold to a private investor.

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