Print Edition

Paintings and an unusual form of 17th century entertainment are potential highlights at three Madrid suctions.

MADAM – In the ivory debate, the argument concerning cultural vandalism has been made effectively. The financial loss to collectors and dealers has been well aired.

MADAM – Theft at an antiques fair is bad enough, but when it involves the memory of a First World War hero and a slice of our patriotic and social history, it is abhorrent.

For the first time, the UK art and antiques trade has publicly made the case for a licensing system that would permit the sale of antique ivory on a case-by-case basis.

A William Nicholson (1872-1949) portrait drew admirers at Thomas R Callan (17.5% buyer’s premium) on November 19 as it was hammered down for £150,000.

Lee Young, Asian art specialist and international director at Lyon & Turnbull, is joining Duke’s of Dorchester in December. He will assume the role of managing director.

ATG’s selection of auction lots bought by internet bidders on thesaleroom.com from the period November 16-22, 2017. This includes both the highest prices over estimate and the top prices paid online.

Estimated at £12,000-18,000, this impressive pair of Regency four-light candelabra dipped just under hopes to sell for £11,500 at Fellows in Birmingham.

A fine pair of Victorian figural table salts in the form of sea maidens on the back of dolphins sold for £4900 (estimate £1500-2000) at Wootton Auction Rooms in Gloucestershire on October 17. Weighing 33oz, they carry marks for John Wilmin Figg, London 1841.

The last remnants of Mallett’s stock, including a clutch of 18th century pictures, were offered in a final sale in Berkshire on November 8.

A mix of surprising and more predictable results emerged in the first round of Old Master auctions in Germany and Austria this autumn.

An internal review into the export licence system for works of art is under way, writes Roland Arkell.

A Sino-Tibetan gilt-bronze of a serene Amitayus confounded modest expectations to sell for $690,000 (£518,000) at the Neal Auction Gallery in New Orleans.

Small businesses were given a mini reprieve in Chancellor Philip Hammond’s Autumn Statement with an update on business rates in England.

Entered into the October 21 sale at Bishop & Miller (18% buyer’s premium) by a Suffolk vendor thinning out his collection, these carved boxwood nutcrackers, right, made an immediate impact on bidders at the Stowmarket rooms.

Our weekly selection from salerooms and dealerships.

Maidenhead auction house Dawson’s is dipping a toe into the world of design with a dedicated sale on December 2.

Elizabeth Bowman, née Palmer, who established Bowman Antiques Fairs in 1973, passed away peacefully on Monday November 13 in Leeds General Infirmary.

The Canterbury Auction Galleries included this George IV silver vinaigrette by John Lawrence & Co, Birmingham, decorated with a view of St Peter’s Church, Brighton. It sold to an Australian internet bidder for £2300.

In our continuing series looking through the keyhole of ‘bricks and mortar’ shops in 2017, ATG talks to Michele Doyle from the East Sussex antiques centre.