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Arts Council report outlines items saved for the nation - and others now exported

11 August 2025

The latest Arts Council annual report reveals six objects were saved for the nation in the past year and are on display at museums across the UK. In the year to April 30, 20 objects were considered, following export licence applications.

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Medals tell tale of Hong Kong police scandal

11 August 2025

It’s not often that a group of medals offered at auction includes two that were in fact officially revoked. However, a lot that appeared at an East Yorkshire auction house on June 27 reflected a notorious tale of colonial corruption.

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Tommy Cooper magic robe bought by illusionist David Copperfield

11 August 2025

A robe worn by magician and comedian Tommy Cooper (1921-84) during the performance in which he which he suffered a heart attack and collapsed on stage has been sold at a North Yorkshire auction.

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Take note of what drives demand

11 August 2025

Paper money fair organiser and dealer describes the ‘highly collectable’ market she is fascinated by

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Sizeable Guanyin figure generates large demand

11 August 2025

This unusually large giltwood figure of Guanyin, the Chinese goddess of compassion and mercy, attracted numerous bidders to Nagel’s (24.5% buyer’s premium) sale of Asian art on June 6-7 in Stuttgart.

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Something in the air tonight: Raynaud eroticism excites bidders

11 August 2025

A classic example of fin-de-siècle eroticism caught the eye of several collectors at Hampel (29.5% buyer’s premium) on June 26 in Munich.

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Research on Ethel Walker blooms

11 August 2025

A catalogue featuring Ethel Walker's artwork emerges.

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Promotional Porsche in miniature form powers to £1900

11 August 2025

Even unboxed, this Matchbox Superfast 3c Porsche 911/930 Turbo with BP shield on the door motored away from a £100-150 estimate to hammer at £1900.

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Duchess nameplate steams off at £18,200 hammer

11 August 2025

Railway locomotive nameplates can bring large sums in the saleroom, even when they are included in general rather than specialist auctions.

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Shawl was gifted by a very famous Victoria to Horatia

11 August 2025

A fine Indian Kashmir shawl of intricate traditional design offered in Colchester included a sewn label 'Horatia E Erskine, June 26th 1861 (Indian) from H.M. Queen Victoria'.

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Lusitania casualty medal pair and ‘death penny’ sell for five-figure sum

11 August 2025

A “very rare” First World War pair of medals and memorial plaque to a female casualty of the SS Lusitania came up for auction at Mayfair saleroom Noonans (24% buyer’s premium) on July 16.

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Cheyne Walk house comes down in value

11 August 2025

A riverside view of Lindsey House in London’s Cheyne Walk drew decent interest at a recent Bonhams (28% buyer’s premium) sale but ended up selling for markedly less than its last auction appearance 10 years ago.

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Previews: issue 2705

11 August 2025

Our selection of stand-out lots from upcoming auctions.

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Expert’s mine of information on the evolution of the English language

11 August 2025

Etymologist buys a glossary which provides a rich seam when it comes to English language changes

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Buddhist gems pulled from auction after outcry and deal made by India for return

11 August 2025

Historic Buddhist gems will return to India thanks to a private deal after a planned Sotheby’s sale of the items was cancelled.

Frieze London

A fair price or not: the pros and cons of admission costs discussed

11 August 2025

How do art and antiques events set their entry charges and why? ATG asks the experts

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Ship models find new moorings after auctions

11 August 2025

Builder’s ship models are exactly the kind of old-school exhibits that museums are hiding away in dusty storage or selling off. Fortunately for auction houses, they are instead being welcomed into collections by eager buyers.

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The last Austin J40 pedal car gets away to a £7000 finish

11 August 2025

The A 1971 Austin J40 pedal car is a relatively common sight at auction and the best tend to make around the £3000-5000 mark. For an example to make more than that it would have to be something very special.

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Arts and craftsmen: clock inventor and ship’s figurehead carver caught on canvas

11 August 2025

The only known portrait of the inventor Reverend Edward Barlow (1639-1719) was sold by Bath horology specialist Gardiner Houlgate (20% buyer’s premium) earlier this summer.

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Wilde and Monet photographs bring in the big money in Cambridge

11 August 2025

A signed postcard of Oscar Wilde from an image by Alfred Ellis of Baker Street impressed in a timed online sale at Cheffins (25% buyer’s premium).

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