Art Market

The traditional works on paper sector can represent good value yet also still spark lively competition at auction.

Three small sketches of polar scenes caught the attention at a recent auction held by Lawrences (20% buyer’s premium) of Bletchingley in Surrey.

Label, listed provenance and technical qualities lead to a contest to land a possible big Guercino catch.

The two-day sale at Sworders at the end of last year included a couple of notable Continental works that drew considerable competition.

In the spring of 1826, artist Richard Parkes Bonington (1802-28) arrived in Milan with his companion and patron Charles Rivet.

Rare auction appearance of market-fresh group of works by Norwich School artists such as Cotman and Chrome

A rediscovered historical portrait by a major name can give a boost to any sale.

A collection of watercolours by Sir William Russell Flint (1880-1969) given their own stand-alone catalogue set pulses racing at Lyon & Turnbull.

A miniature by Henry Bone (1755-1834) depicting the American artist Benjamin West (1738-1820) was among the notable lots at the recent Hansons sale.

Life model depicted by Freud, Auerbach and even Lennon amassed her own art collection

Reappearing in the same saleroom after a six-year interval, a landscape by Edmund Morison Wimperis (1835-1900) attracted attention at Halls (20% buyer’s premium) of Shrewsbury.

Three works from British vendors were among the most notable lots at Sotheby’s (25/20/13.9% buyer’s premium + 1% overhead premium) latest Old Master evening sale in London.

A marine battle scene believed to have once been owned by auctioneer James Christie (1730-1803) topped Bonhams’ (27.5%/25/20/14.5% buyer’s premium) latest Old Master sale in London.

London salerooms hope for increased consignments after a difficult year for Old Masters

An important work by Modern Australian artist Russell Drysdale (1912-81) equalled his auction record when it sold at Deutscher and Hackett (25% buyer’s premium).

As with other sectors of the art and antiques market, Contemporary art can certainly produce dramatic bidding battles for under-valued material at auction.

Collection offered in Canterbury recalls the bizarre family life of Stanley Spencer

Simple folk art depictions stuffed full of charm prove highly attractive to buyers at Dreweatts' auction.

An array of affordable alternatives to the blue-chip names in Modern British art generated strong bidding at Roseberys' (25% buyer’s premium) auction.

Three modestly valued works selling at regional sales including a Harry Fidler oil.