Auctions

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


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Olympic football gold medal from 1908 won by later Manchester United chairman in Busby Babes era comes up at auction

27 October 2018

Harold Hardman’s journey from amateur footballer and solicitor to chairman of Manchester United in the era of the Busby Babes is a fascinating story in itself. But a medal coming up for auction in Oxford on November 14 adds even more appeal.

Edmond de Belamy

Painting made by artificial intelligence and algorithm sells for $350,000

26 October 2018

A painting made by artificial intelligence has sold at Christie’s for a hammer price of $350,000 (£273,420).

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Hammer highlights: five lots that caught bidders’ eyes including a rare example of automobilia

26 October 2018

A Banksy print, a Suffragette medal and a rare piece of British automobilia are among ATG’s selection of highlights that sold at auctions this week.

Jensen brooch

Single-owner sale of jewellery - including more than 100 Georg Jensen items - comes to auction

26 October 2018

A major collection of late 19th and early 20th century jewellery amassed by a Buckinghamshire collector over half a century, comes to auction next week.

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Six places to find art and antiques around London next week including Winter Olympia and an Old Masters auction

26 October 2018

Buyers and collectors descend on London for the Winter Olympia fair and there’s lots more for art and antiques hunters to see and do around the capital next week.

Iznik dish

Rediscovered Iznik charger takes £4.55m at Sotheby's auction

25 October 2018

The Debbane charger, a newly-discovered 15th century Iznik dish, was the toast of Sotheby’s Islamic Week offering, selling for a spectacular £4.55m (£5.4m including buyer’s premium).

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Five unusual militaria lots coming up at auction

25 October 2018

Focus on five militaria items ranging from a ship's bell marking a pioneering aircraft launch to a grasshopper brooch left as a memento for loved ones.

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Artemisia Gentileschi’s ‘Lucretia’ sells at Viennese auction for €1.6m

24 October 2018

Artemisia Gentileschi’s 'Lucretia' was hammered down for €1.6m at an auction in Vienna.

Miners' lamp

Rare 19th century miners’ lamp lights up auction in Rotherham

24 October 2018

A rare miners’ lamp was the unexpected highlight of Paul Beighton’s October 14 sale in Thurcroft near Rotherham.

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Affordable art: Six works sold or offered for under £650 including a David Jagger portrait

23 October 2018

Three modestly valued works selling at regional sales below £650 and three upcoming lots offered the next week.

Alnwick Castle

Five auctions to watch this week (October 22-28, 2018)

22 October 2018

A painting created by artificial intelligence and a table from a castle that featured in Harry Potter are among our five previews from upcoming sales this week.

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Rediscovered Iznik masterwork headlines Islamic Week auction series

22 October 2018

A newly discovered Ottoman charger, described as one of the most important pieces of Iznik pottery in private hands, will be offered at Sotheby’s Arts of the Islamic World sale this week.

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Tompion strikes a £200,000 note in Staffordshire

22 October 2018

A portable table clock by Thomas Tompion sold for a top-estimate £200,000 (plus 20% buyer’s premium) as part of a mixed-owner sale conducted by Hansons at Bishton Hall, Staffordshire.

Piano keys

Export of piano keys ‘distort ivory statistics’

22 October 2018

New figures obtained by the BADA reveal that piano keys represent the vast majority of ivory items exported from the UK in the past three calendar years.

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Chairs sit pretty in salerooms among furniture auction selections

22 October 2018

At a time when catering for niche interests is a profitable path for auctioneers, recent sales in Scotland, Ireland and England have shown that the furniture market can still come to life – provided it meets three criteria.

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Asia in the regions

22 October 2018

Near and far beyond London, the UK regions offer an autumn calendar thronging with specialist auctions. Here Gabriel Berner previews some forthcoming highlights.

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Pleasant Georgian surprises in regional auctions

22 October 2018

Modestly estimated staples of the once-booming Georgian furniture market can still bring pleasant surprises.

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Terrific tazza at Gloucestershire auction

22 October 2018

Nine centuries after it first became a thriving art form, Limoges enamel ware remains a popular choice as evidenced by a tazza offered by Chorley’s (20% buyer’s premium).

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Chinese selection: from brooch to sword breakers

22 October 2018

Chinese material beyond the headlining world of porcelain continues to boost totals across the UK’s salerooms, occasionally eclipsing estimates.

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Sale with lots of characters

22 October 2018

Rude Rowlandson print is among the highlights of Gloucestershire auction.

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