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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Wilberforce letters stay local after East Yorkshire auction

19 June 2026

Two personal letters written by William Wilberforce, the Hull-born anti-slavery campaigner and influential politician, were on offer at East Yorkshire saleroom Hawleys (22% buyer’s premium) on June 13.

‘Accordion’ album

Bid Barometer: issue 2749

19 June 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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Early view: our pick of auction lots on offer this summer

19 June 2026

This summer, a diverse range of noteworthy lots will go under the hammer at auction houses across the UK. Here we turn a spotlight to some of these – from a first vampire novel and Titanic launch tickets to a Duke of Wellington portrait and a Ravilious watercolour

Giltwood centre table with Roman mosaic top

Tabletop formed of Roman mosaics stars at Stockholm sale

18 June 2026

Found objects from the ancient world were often used in 18th century interiors and furniture. Roman mosaics were frequently repurposed.

Figures on a Beach by LS Lowry

LS Lowry beach scene tops estimate at Olympia Auctions

18 June 2026

A house record for Olympia Auctions’ (25% buyer’s premium) picture department came in early June when a beach scene by LS Lowry (1887-1976) took an above-estimate £190,000.

The Gateway by Edward Burra

Edward Burra’s ‘unusual and macabre’ watercolour finds admirers in Salisbury auction

17 June 2026

A number of sales around the country in early June demonstrated how the market for Modern British art seems to be in a pretty good place heading into the key summer season.

Bolton Junction Eccleshill, Bradford by David Hockney

Hockney sketch quadruples estimate in auction held two days after artist’s death

16 June 2026

A rare and early mixed media sketch by David Hockney (b.1937-2026), made when he was just 19, brought notable competition at Tennants’ (24% buyer’s premium) latest sale of Modern & Contemporary Art.

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William de Morgan double gourd form vase is among five lots to watch

15 June 2026

With estimates from £1500, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week

Platinum three shilling

Traveller token and coin collection sets the platinum standard

12 June 2026

What is considered the first coin made in platinum was among the highlights of the second tranche of British coins from the so-called Traveller collection.

Diamond cluster gold ring

Early diamond cluster gold ring found by metal detectorist emerges at London auction

12 June 2026

An Elizabethan or early Stuart diamond cluster gold ring found in Wormington, Gloucestershire will be among 14 metal detected jewels offered for sale at Noonans on June 23.

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Flemish artist’s portrait of a gentleman outperforms expectations

12 June 2026

A work described as an “exciting addition to the oeuvre of Gillis Claeissens (1526-1605)” was the star performer at Sworders’ (25% buyer’s premium) latest Old Master, British and European art sale.

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Bidders of White Star Line collectables prepared to pay for First Class service

12 June 2026

Items associated with the White Star Line, the British shipping company that built its global brand on unmatched passenger comfort, continue to thrive at auction.

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First World War naval flags reflect fierce engagements

12 June 2026

Motor Launch 397 was one of about 500 of these 37-ton boats built by Elco during the First World War and was heavily involved with the 1918 raids on the German-held ports of Ostend and Zeebrugge.

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Escher sends birds and bidders into a flap at Hamburg auction

12 June 2026

One of the big surprises at a recent Ketterer (27% buyer’s premium) book auction in Hamburg was the result for a signed lithograph by Maurits Cornelis Escher.

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Reflections on a hop market: new record for British pub mirror

12 June 2026

A mirror for an East End brewery set a new record at £33,000 as the breweriana collecting market matures

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Wave of interest as RAF Museum sells off items

12 June 2026

Unusual models brings strong demand as the RAF Museum sold off items it viewed as no longer needed

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‘Off we go for the pole’ wrote doomed Antarctic explorer

12 June 2026

A four-page letter written by Edward ‘Bill’ Wilson to a friend during the early days of the doomed British Antarctic Expedition sold for £19,000 at Fieldings (26% buyer’s premium) in Stourbridge.

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Lemonnier historical work full of personality takes six-figure sum at German auction

12 June 2026

Anicet Charles Gabriel Lemonnier had a long and distinguished career, making a name for himself with his many-figured paintings of historical meetings.

St Jerome in his Study

Bid Barometer: issue 2748

12 June 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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Hardened warrior was fascinated by folk stories

12 June 2026

If The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers are to your liking, a large single-owner collection of military medals comprising nearly 100 lots dedicated to the regiment offered in Somerset on May 28 would have caught your eye.

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