Obituaries

Re: Obituary for James Brett and following tribute letters (ATGs 2716 & 2717).

David Ker, who has died aged 74, was an important and pioneering art dealer and larger-than-life figure, described as one of the most vivid upper-class characters of the last half century.

Derek Newman, who died in September this year, was a dealer in English watercolours from Gloucestershire, at first in partnership with his mother Heather and then alone after her death in 2004.

Re: the obituary for James Brett in ATG No 2716.

James Brett was an antiques dealer of international repute specialising in the finest English and European antique furniture, sculpture and metal work.

One day in early 1975 a dealer from Norwich came into my shop in Harrogate for the first time and, although he did not buy on that occasion, that introduction would lead to a 50-year friendship that has been ended by the death of James Brett from Alzheimer’s Disease.

It’s no exaggeration to describe James as a legend of the antiques trade.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of William "Bill" Buckley, a respected antiques dealer who built his reputation on integrity and an eye for quality furniture.

Richard Gold, the well known and respected West Country auctioneer, has died at the age of 76.

Guy Robins was born in Devon in 1939 at the outbreak of the war. Moving to Sussex, he was educated at Shoreham College and Brighton College.

An adoring, devoted and brilliant father of two, John Maas passed away on his birthday (of skin cancer).

Renowned clock specialist David Gibson has died this May, aged 72.

It is with great sadness that we learn that Terrence Bailey has passed away.

The family of Allan George Hare are sad to report that Allan passed away on the evening of June 7, 2025 at the age of 74.

Reg Cooper, the dealer and former fair organiser, has died aged 86.

It is with sadness that I advise the passing of a wonderful person who was also my client, Ray Haradin. He was only 60.

Nicholas Bowlby was a dealer of the old school, a character of great warmth and wit, naturally inquisitive with an eclectic taste that ran from early watercolours to contemporary abstracts.

I was hugely saddened to read of Jane Turner’s recent death in Charles Miller’s thoughtfully crafted obit (ATG No 2694).

A legend in the world of antiques left this mortal coil on the May 10. George Stacpoole was one of the founders in 1964 and long-term president of the Irish Antiques Dealers Association (IADA).

Christened Amanda but always known by her middle name, Jane was an unlikely but highly successful picture specialist at Christie’s South Kensington.