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Pictures by eastern European artists generating interest from national-minded buyers is an increasingly common sight at UK regional sales.

Two very different lots from a Sussex sale are noted here: a German manuscript of Lenten sermons and the tale of a toy rabbit.

Our regular listing of UK and Irish book auctions.

A selection of 15 upcoming lots from auctions taking place around the UK.

ATG asked dealers who work in the interiors trade about their recent experience. They reported burgeoning business despite – or, indeed, because of – lockdowns over the past two years.

Aubrey Beardsley and John Batten add the illustrative attractions in North Yorks sale

Our special focus on the online marketplaces now available to support business

You can always find stylish pieces at 20th century design sales held by Italian auction houses. Here are some highlights from recent sales at Wannenes in Genoa on December 15-16 and Colasanti in Rome on October 7-8.

The big number in a London sale of music books, manuscripts, etc, was a collection of early pieces for guitar described as the most significant manuscript of its kind seen at auction in over 20 years.

Two letters in the hand of Benjamin Franklin, dating from 1782 and 1784 and both relating to the terms of the peace agreement between the newly independent USA and Britain that were being worked out during negotiations in Paris, provided the highest bids at Bonhams New York (27.5/25/20/14.5% buyer’s premium) on December 15.

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.

Keeping multiple sites up to date can be crucial for sales, but also very time consuming. Companies such as Ronati help dealers keep their online presence up to date.

The near-total ban on the trade in antique ivory in the UK promised three years ago is just a matter of weeks away from enforcement.

A rare opportunity to gauge the market for a major Newlyn School painting came at David Lay’s latest auction in Penzance when a lively and clamorous scene by Stanhope Forbes (1857-1947) was offered with a £120,000-180,000 estimate.

Graham Budd Auctions is under new ownership, with its founder becoming chairman.