Auctions

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


Penicillin Mould V2

New record for an Alexander Fleming ‘mould that made penicillin’

01 November 2024

A medallion of mould used in Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin’s antibacterial properties achieved a record price of $76,000 (£58,500) including buyer’s premium at Bonhams’ History of Science and Technology sale in New York.

Qianlong period yellow ground bowl

Roseberys disperses ‘extraordinary’ 700-piece Chinese art collection

31 October 2024

In storage for a century, a remarkable cache of Chinese works of art has sold for £870,000.

Forlani Map

Copy of the earliest map dedicated to North America appears at auction

30 October 2024

Paolo Forlani's map was not only the first to focus primarily on North America but among the first to depict the Strait of Anian, separating America and Asia

‘Natural Painting’ by Man Ray

Man Ray ‘natural painting’ sells in Cotswolds auction

30 October 2024

Abstract and surrealist paintings by the American artist Man Ray (1890-1976) are a valuable proposition at auction and so it was no surprise that a small picture from a good source drew interest at a recent Cotswolds auction.

Edgar Mitchell Rolex GMT Master

First Rolex worn on the moon makes five times estimate

29 October 2024

The Rolex GMT-Master worn by the sixth man to walk on the moon, Edgar Mitchell, sold at RR Auctions

Funerary Insciption

Antiquities from estate of Philip Hewat-Jaboor exceed estimate at Roseberys

28 October 2024

Philip Hewat-Jaboor was the chairman of the Masterpiece art fair and amassed a significant antiquities collection at his Jersey home

Qianlong enamel boxes

Qianlong painted enamels feature among five lots to watch this week

28 October 2024

With estimates from £300, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week

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Handsome silver fox with a Cunard connection emerges in North Yorkshire auction

28 October 2024

Silver works by Sir Bache Cunard, Bt (1851-1925), legendary huntsman and scion of the Cunard shipping family, are incredibly rare – he presumably made items only for his family and friends.

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Brazilian Modernist makes his mark at auction again

28 October 2024

A striking Art Deco marble sculpture by the Brazilian Modernist Victor Brecheret (1894-1955) achieved more than 10 times its estimate at John Moran (27% buyer’s premium) in Monrovia, California.

Books and works on paper auction calendar, October 30-November 13, 2024

28 October 2024

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

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Kakiemon figure rides to $16,000

28 October 2024

While the estimate of $20-50 did not necessarily reflect it, the sale at Hayloft Auctions (28% buyer’s premium) in the Bronx, New York, on September 9 included an exceptional piece of Japanese porcelain.

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Chinese art auction previews

28 October 2024

A selection of stand-out lots from upcoming sales held at the same time as the Asian Art in London initiative

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Harry Tittensor creation stars among Doulton rarities

28 October 2024

Among the most desirable Royal Doulton HN series models are the Harry Tittensor (1887-1942) creations based on the Arabian Knights story.

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Bronze in Florida depicts famous British porker

28 October 2024

Bearing an innocuous estimate of $50-250, a small 6in (15cm) bronze of a sow mounted to a marble base skyrocketed to $10,000 (£7600) at Berner’s Auction (23% buyer’s premium) in Deland, Florida.

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Perfect chairs to go with a round table

28 October 2024

The sale of Vernacular Furniture, Folk & Naive Art and Textiles held online by Bonhams in Knightsbridge from October 4-22 included this extraordinary set of 13 Edwardian or George V ‘Antiquarian’ chairs.

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Five figures bid for a 6ft sign advertising Webb’s Seeds

28 October 2024

The pictorial enamel signs advertising Webb’s Seeds of Stourbridge are some of the most popular on the UK market.

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Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean art auction previews

28 October 2024

A selection of lots from upcoming auctions held at the same time as Asian Art in London

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Medical journals from East India Company surgeon prove to be the remedy for success

28 October 2024

Comprehensive group of medical records from East India Company surgeon star in eclectic sale

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Asian Art in London 2024 – maps

28 October 2024

The 27th edition of Asian Art in London takes place from October 30 to November 8

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Chinese export dish decorated with a Dutchman

28 October 2024

This rare Chinese export dish offered at Luxur Fine Art Auction (25/20/15% buyer’s premium) in Queens, New York, was painted with a portrait of the theologist Willem Deurhoff (1650-1717).

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