Print Edition

A round-up of art and antiques news from the previous seven days, including a portrait by 18th century painter George Romney being acquired by Sizergh Castle and Garden in Cumbria.

Three modestly valued works selling at regional sales including a William Gear acrylic painting.

Key to a price tag of £95,000 for a slightly bumped first impression copy of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone' offered in a recent Bonhams sale lay in an inscription.

A recent Stroud Auctions sale featured a private collection of more than 120 pieces of Georgian and Victorian jewellery. Most were rings, among them many examples of mourning jewellery in a wide range of forms and materials.

The London entrepreneur James Cox (c.1723-1800) is best known as a specialist in the intricate clockwork curios encrusted with gold, silver and jewel, referred to as ‘sing-songs.’

In recent days dealers have turned to new ways of selling as the world went to war against coronavirus. For traders across the board, online has now become the new normal.

MADAM – I wonder if your readers can help us.

ATG’s selection of auction lots bought by internet bidders on thesaleroom.com from the period March 19-25, 2020. This includes both the highest prices over estimate and the top prices paid online.

On Friday, March 27, Michael Bloomstein of Brighton was paying the following for bulk scrap against a gold fix of: $1621.70 / €1455.31 / £1321.93

This Grand Tour-era ring sold at Great Western Auctions (20% buyer’s premium) in Glasgow features an unusual banded carnelian intaglio carved with a putti holding the leg of a large grasshopper.

Two versions of a rare mezzotint self-portrait by the Irish artist James Barry (1741-1806) excelled when offered for sale at Forum Auctions. Both plates, one an unrecorded proof impression, the other possibly inscribed by the artist, took multi-estimate sums from online bidders.

This collection of 10 carnelian intaglios carved to depict classical figures and scenes once formed part of the collection of Prince Stanislas Poniatowski (1754-1833). His past possessions are always of interest to collectors.

Association with the name boosts value as part of a sale dedicated to the poet.

Works by artist Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) and her husband, photographer Alfred Stieglitz (1864- 1946), were the chief focus of a sale held by Sotheby’s (25/20/13.9% buyer’s premium) in New York.

An aquamarine pendant telling the story of the founder of the Women’s Land Army and a rare Tudor ring shine at Dix Noonan Webb. By Roland Arkell and John Benjamin.

Comprising essays by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay, all of which were published under the same pen name, ‘Publius’, The Federalist: A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the New Constitution… is a key American contribution to political theory.

British and Irish book auctions, March 31-April 11, 2020.

Unfortunately it is with enormous sadness that we pass on the news our auctioneer and valuer, Stephen Flintoft, passed away on March 11 after only eight weeks away from us due to illness.