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.

Biplanes over Ypres

Biplanes: William Wyllie’s view over Ypres triples estimate

23 January 2025

A high-flying lot came to Glasgow saleroom Great Western Auctions (24% buyer’s premium) in the form of a rare First World War subject by William Lionel Wyllie (1851-1931).

Marye The Quene

Mary I letter outlining Wyatt Rebellion response to appear at Edinburgh auction

23 January 2025

A letter signed 'Mary the quene' to William Paget on the outbreak of Wyatt's Rebellion, January 28, 1554, is to appear at Edinburgh auction house Lyon & Turnbull on February 5 with an estimate of £15,000-20,000.

Edward Curtis Three Chiefs

Edward Curtis' 'Three Chiefs' photograph triples estimate at Bonhams Skinner

22 January 2025

Over a 30-year period Edward Curtis (1868–1952) published the largest volume of work photographing indigenous Americans.

Welsh estate Plas Teg

Contents from historic Welsh estate Plas Teg to be sold at Rogers Jones

21 January 2025

Welsh auction house Rogers Jones is conducting the largest house clearance it has undertaken in 33 years.

Italian giltwood mirror

The last hurrah: Sworders to offer dealer’s stock without reserve as Guinevere Antiques finally closes

20 January 2025

After 61 years on the King’s Road, Guinevere Antiques shut its doors for the last time at Christmas.

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Fresh to the market: Zoffany flower and watercress girls

20 January 2025

Among the portraits bringing demand at the latest series of Old Master auctions in London was a pair of works depicting young women by Johann Zoffany (1733-1810).

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Extraordinary late imperial Russian enamels on offer in US saleroom

20 January 2025

Market for imperial Russian works of art appears to have shifted to US given global circumstances

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Kelmscott Press presented in full at auction sells in full

20 January 2025

Collector’s complete set of books from Morris’ publishing project comes to a saleroom for first time in 50 years

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Sad to part with a teddy bear collection but happy at the result

20 January 2025

Private British buyers dominated proceedings as the Teddy Bears of Witney went under the hammer at Special Auction Services (20% buyer’s premium) in Newbury.

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Fijian collection came from missionary Miss Tookey

20 January 2025

The core of the December 10 Out of Europe sale at the Cardiff rooms of Rogers Jones (22% buyer’s premium) was formed by the collection of Miss Annie Elizabeth Tookey.

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Old Master sales produce stand-out results despite slim pickings in terms of supply

20 January 2025

Consignments have been thin on the ground but various lots attracted significant sums at the recent London series

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Klimt brothers creep into ‘Old Master’ sale category

20 January 2025

These days it’s not unusual to see works that are not technically Old Masters appearing in Old Master auctions.

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No 1 Barbie in swimsuit bidder takes the plunge at £7000

20 January 2025

The highlight of an extensive selection of Barbie dolls offered at Wessex Auction Rooms (19% buyer’s premium) proved to be, as predicted, an example of the very earliest produced.

Essex Book By Chase Owen

Owen Chase’s first-hand account of sunken whaleship sells at auction

17 January 2025

A first edition copy documenting the sinking of the Essex by a sperm whale in 1820 went under the hammer at Potter & Potter

Joshua Reynolds portrait

Joshua Reynolds portrait leads sale of banker Bernard Kelly’s collection

17 January 2025

Lyon & Turnbull sold the collection of the banker and financier Bernard Kelly (1930-2022) at The Mall Galleries in London on January 15.

Andre Previn Lithograph

Our pick of 10 items that sold at Hansons' Eric Morecambe sale

16 January 2025

A lifetime collection of showbiz memorabilia brought sunshine to Morecambe & Wise collectors on January 10 as 807 lots from Eric Morecambe’s personal archive were offered by Hansons.

Bonnie Brennan and Guillaume Cerutti

Bonnie Brennan replaces Guillaume Cerutti as CEO of Christie’s

16 January 2025

Christie’s has appointed Bonnie Brennan as Chief Executive Officer with current CEO Guillaume Cerutti becoming chairman as well as taking on a new role within Artémis, the holding company of the auction house’s owner François Pinault.

Cartier Egyptian revival jewel

Long-lost Cartier Egyptian revival jewel emerges at Salisbury auction

15 January 2025

A long-lost Cartier Egyptian revival jewel, previously known from an advert in ‘The Illustrated London News’, has been rediscovered.

Young Woman From Sanwich Islands

Lots illustrating Captain Cook’s fatal third voyage to appear at Forum Auctions

15 January 2025

A first edition book documenting the voyage by a crew member is on offer at Forum Auctions

Barbara Hepworth archive

Collection of Barbara Hepworth drawings and working notes sells at Chiswick Auctions

15 January 2025

An archive of annotated sketches and correspondence showing the working methods of sculptor Barbara Hepworth (1903-1975) sold for £20,000 at the end of last year.

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