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A New York City antiquarian books hub involving three well-known big names has been established, creating something of a Manhattan powerhouse of the trade.

Stand-out decorative items by named artists with interesting back-stories were in demand at the latest The Decorative Fair in Battersea.

Catherine Southon’s October 15 Fine Sale in Chislehurst includes this chalk caricature of the sculptor Cecil Gunthorp (1893-1983) done by one Henry Moore (1898-1986).

A private collection of children’s illustrated books formed over the past 50 years provided several stand-out lots in The Collector’s auction held by Catherine Southon (27.6% buyer’s premium inc VAT).

It’s always heartening to hear about the repurposing of old buildings, particularly when they become antiques businesses.

Our selection of lots from eight upcoming auctions

Long before it became the signature for the 1955-62 television show Alfred Hitchcock Presents, the director had perfected his self-portrait: an economic sketch of his profile rendered in just a couple of lines. Hitchcock would regularly draw and sign them for fans.

So-called no’oanga stools from Rurutu Island, the northernmost island of the Austral archipelago in Polynesia, are distinct in their deep seats and solid curving legs terminating in button-like feet.

The late 1850s to early 1860s was a significant period in the career of French painter Charles-François Daubigny (1817-78).

Among the most desirable of all novelty biscuit tins is the William Crawford & Sons sports coupe.

Our regular listing of UK and Irish books and works on paper sales

Like the no’oanga stool sold by Woolley & Wallis, the Polynesian ceremonial spears or staffs known as to’o also originate from the Austral Islands of Rurutu.

American actor, singer, dancer, director, and photographer Joel Grey (b.1932) is perhaps best known for his portrayal of the master of ceremonies in both the Broadway and film versions of the musical Cabaret.

Kensington Church Street dealership Reindeer Antiques is hosting an exhibition and book launch for cartoonist Annie Tempest (b.1959).

The owners of Kent’s Teapot Island museum are selling their collection of more than 8500 novelty teapots, thought to be the second-largest group in the world.

A hand-coloured engraving of an Anglo- American naval battle in 1779 hammered for $5200 against a $1000-1500 guide at Swann Auction Galleries (25% buyer’s premium) in New York City.

Meeting as neighbours at TEFAF Maastricht, two sculpture dealers have come together to hold an exhibition in London.

I read with interest about the Carlton Ware Babylon pattern coffee set that has recently sold at Peebles Auction House for £7700, a great price indeed for recent times (Pick of the week, News Digest, ATG No 2711).

A reader – a dealer – has written in with a query concerning an auction bid that he made recently.