Auctions

News and previews of art and antiques sold at auctions throughout the UK and overseas, from multi-million-pound blockbusters to affordable collectables.


Sue Tilley, the sitter in Lucian Freud's painting

Lucian Freud’s ‘benefits supervisor’ portrait emerges from the Lewis at Sotheby’s

29 May 2026

One of Lucian Freud’s (1922-2011) most famous portraits will appear at Sotheby’s sale of the Lewis collection in June.

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William Wordsworth house contents up for auction in the town where he was born

29 May 2026

Furnishings and personal items from Rydal Mount, the final home of the Romantic poet William Wordsworth, will be offered at auction this month.

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Charlie Watts' bird box on song at Exeter auction

29 May 2026

This 19th century gilt metal and enamel singing bird automaton that took £17,000 was among the highlights of the Charlie and Shirley Watts collection sold by Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood.

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Beaker, boarding house and a Russian empress

29 May 2026

The story of this late 19th century Russian beaker goes back to a boarding house in Harrogate in 1894.

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Man Utd’s Gregg still revered by modern day fans

29 May 2026

Collection of goalkeeper who survived 1958 Munich disaster generates a strong demand at auction, plus Liverpool FC favourites in focus at auction

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Bloomin’ heck: it’s £24,000 for a Derby County football card

29 May 2026

A trade card featuring football player Steve Bloomer (1874-1938) went well beyond its guide of £6000-8000 as it hammered for £24,000.

2746 AB US Potter Houdini

Houdini challenge accepted

29 May 2026

Part of the legend of escapologist Harry Houdini (1874-1926) rests on the hundreds of ‘challenges’ he accepted from manufacturers of packing cases, boxes, handcuffs and the like.

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Earliest Celtic FC winner’s medal nets a record for such Scottish memorabilia

29 May 2026

On the day the 15ct gold and enamel medal Celtic FC’s latest Scottish title success clinched in the very last game of the season against Hearts came 133 years after their first.

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Auction lots act as reminders of Hammers, Wolves and Spurs in happier days

29 May 2026

A horrible season for West Ham, Spurs and Wolves has come to an end... but glory days for the clubs were recalled by several lots sold recently.

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The day the mighty Man Utd beat Joe Simpkins 5-0

29 May 2026

In May 1950 Manchester United embarked on a 12-match tour of North America.

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Previews: issue 2746

29 May 2026

Our selection of stand-out lots from 10 upcoming auctions

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Album of designs includes Louvre’s famous snuffbox

29 May 2026

The Van Blarenberghes were a dynasty of artists from Lille in northern France.

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Not to be sneezed at: 1776 hankie bought by US museum

29 May 2026

A handkerchief made in early 19th century Scotland celebrating the 1776 Declaration of Independence and featuring portraits of George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson hammered for $55,000 (£40,425) at Eldred’s (26% buyer’s premium).

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When the World Cup kicked off

29 May 2026

The Sportingold (20% buyer’s premium) World Cup, International & North American Soccer Sale on May 27 was timed handily just before the 23rd World Cup begins in the US, Mexico and Canada.

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Enamelled glass bowls over buyer

29 May 2026

Rare Renaissance item hammered at €450,000 is boosted by armorial for two significant families

Books and works on paper auction calendar, June 2-21, 2026

29 May 2026

Our regular listing of UK and Irish books and works on paper sales

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Going back to the origins of Crystal Palace and Arsenal – postcards capture club pioneers

29 May 2026

The two images of 1907-08 shown here are from a group of nine postcards relating to Crystal Palace FC that were given a modest estimate of £50-80 in the Paper Collectables sale at Toovey’s (25% buyer’s premium) on May 20.

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Bid Barometer: issue 2746

29 May 2026

ATG’s pick of auction lots bought by internet bidders on thesaleroom.com, featuring both the highest prices over-estimate and the top prices paid online.

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Was ‘Red Fuji’ painted by Wirgman Jr?

29 May 2026

Small but intriguing coastal scene estimated at just £50-80 spotted by eager bidders and taken to £3500

2746 AB US Heritage Asterisk 1

Original Asterix cover art earns its laurels

29 May 2026

An original piece of Astérix cover art painted by Albert Uderzo (1927-2020) sold for an $360,000 (£267,000) at Heritage Auctions (25% buyer’s premium) in Dallas, Texas.

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