Auctions

Our regular listing of British and Irish book auctions.

Amphora was the name given to the distinctive Continental pottery produced between the last decade of the 19th and the first of the 20th century in the central European Turn-Teplitz area of Bohemia by the RSt&K (Riessner Stellmaker and Kessel) factory.

A significant collection of Ian Fleming’s books, typescripts and assorted autograph material raised close on £1m at Sotheby’s.

Our regular selection of previews from UK and Irish salerooms.

A vast quantity of Wedgwood was on offer in a pair of decorative arts auctions held in Massachusetts at the end of last year.

What is perhaps the earliest dated piece of Irish glass sold at auction in Lewes.

Closing the year in some style, a patinated and parcel gilt bronze ‘double size’ figure of St George set a new auction record for Sir Alfred Gilbert (1854-1934) at Bonhams.

Demand for independent condition reports soared during lockdown, according to one restoration firm.

A handwritten account of the battle of Rorke’s Drift by Lt John Chard of the Royal Engineers, who led the renowned stand against the Zulu attack, sold for a hammer price of £140,000.

As the UK auction calendar ramps back up for the new year, expect sales to be held with no viewings or viewings by appointment.

An important work by Modern Australian artist Russell Drysdale (1912-81) equalled his auction record when it sold at Deutscher and Hackett (25% buyer’s premium).

The surprise lot at Thomson Roddick (18% buyer’s premium) was one in which the principal attraction may well have been a penny broadside of 1826.

The name William Beilby (1740-1819) is typically associated with the best of English glass and particularly the enamelling workshop operated from Amen Corner in Newcastle in the 1760s-70s.

Bid to a record £1900 in a Norfolk auction was a 1905, two-volume first of 'My Life: A Record of Events and Opinions'.

ATG’s selection of auction lots bought by internet bidders on thesaleroom.com. This includes both the highest prices over estimate and the top prices paid online.

Chicago auction house Toomey (25/20/15% buyer’s premium) offered items with links to important local figures in art and design during its Tradition & Innovation auction.