UK

The United Kingdom accounts for more than one fifth of the global art market sales and is the second biggest art market after the US.

Through auctioneers, dealers, fairs and markets - and a burgeoning online sector - buyers, collectors and sellers of art and antiques can easily access a vibrant network of intermediaries and events around the country. The UK's museums also house a wealth of impressive collections

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Fabergé collection snapped up via private sale in eleventh-hour deal

31 March 2025

An en bloc private sale has been arranged for a group of Fabergé object d’art formerly in the Wernher collection at Luton Hoo.

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Discoveries unearthed by metal detectorists then treasured by bidders

31 March 2025

Metal-detecting finds, properly reported to the Portable Antiquities Scheme and since disclaimed as Treasure, are increasing significantly the supply of pre-Georgian jewels. Some fine examples have appeared at auction of late.

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Cartier featured in The Illustrated London News advert hits the headlines

31 March 2025

A Cartier Egyptian revival jewel, previously known only from an advert that appeared in The Illustrated London News in the 1920s, sold for £55,000 at Woolley & Wallis (26% buyer’s premium).

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The minute chance of mining a pink diamond

31 March 2025

A Cartier necklace with a rare pink diamond was offered by Tennants (22% buyer’s premium) of North Yorkshire on March 15. It sold towards top hopes at £190,000.

Henry Gibbs’ Aeneas and his Family Fleeing Burning Troy

Nazi-looted painting in Tate’s collection returned to heirs after eight decades

29 March 2025

A painting by British artist Henry Gibbs (1630/1–1713) purchased by Tate in 1994 has been returned to the heirs of Belgian Jewish art collector Samuel Hartveld following a decision by the Spoliation Advisory Panel.

On the Beach by John Lavery

Lavery beach scene creates waves at Surrey auction

28 March 2025

Among a number of works by John Lavery (1856-1941) to emerge on the secondary market recently, a rapidly executed view of the Venice Lido was among those that bought strong competition when it appeared for sale in Farnham, Surrey.

David Evans, Man And Cat In Sitting Room, Circa 1975, 8117 14.59.20

Undiscovered work of 'genius' gay artist in new exhibition

27 March 2025

David Evans died tragically young and before receiving the recognition and acclaim that many feel he deserves. A new show hopes to highlight his talent.

EM Forster photo

Duncan Grant’s diary sells for 14 times estimate at Gorringe's

27 March 2025

The rediscovered diary of Bloomsbury artist Duncan Grant (1885-1978) drew strong interest this week after emerging at an auction at Gorringe's in Lewes, East Sussex.

2687AB Knights Wisden 1875

Rarest edition of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack hits £27,000 hammer price at specialist sport auction house

27 March 2025

A copy of what is regarded as probably the rarest edition of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack came up for sale at Knights Sporting Auctions (20% buyer’s premium) on March 21-23.

Emanuela Tarizzo

Frieze Masters announces new director

26 March 2025

Returning to Regent’s Park for the 21st time, Frieze London and Frieze Masters 2024 saw solid sales and attendance. A new director is hoping to continue that trend

German stackfreed pocket watch

‘Complete and original’: 16th century pocket watch makes 14 times estimate in Cheshire

26 March 2025

The latest jewellery and watches sale at Wilson55 in Nantwich included a rare pocket watch from the 1580s.

George Romney drawing

Windfall for vendor who found George Romney sketch in rubbish skip

26 March 2025

A sketch by George Romney (1734-1802) came to a recent auction in south London with a remarkable backstory.

Joseph Cartwright watercolour

Cartwright’s Corfu scene brings demand in Scottish auction

25 March 2025

Among the works on paper attracting interest at the early spring auctions was a 19th century study that emerged at a sale in Dumfries.

First Chinese version of the bible

First Chinese version of bible makes over 60 times estimate at Bonhams

25 March 2025

The book was consigned by Oxfam in a timed sale at the London auction house

2687NEDI NIB LSK Led Zep

Led Zeppelin IV album becomes a five figure hit thanks to signatures of all four band members

25 March 2025

For many fans, the untitled fourth album known simply as 'Led Zeppelin IV' is the band at their very peak. Released in 1971, it includes classic tracks such as 'Stairway to Heaven', 'When the Levee Breaks' and 'Black Dog'.

Oliver Searle

Auction house Gorringe’s back under family control

24 March 2025

Sussex and Kent auction house Gorringe’s begins a fresh chapter next month under full family ownership and new management.

Georgian silver coffee pot

Coffee pot plundered from burning White House makes five times estimate in Tetbury

24 March 2025

A Georgian silver coffee pot that once formed part of the silver at the White House has emerged for sale in Gloucestershire.

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Medieval ring is among five lots to watch this week

24 March 2025

With estimates from £500, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week

Eric Ravilious print

London gallery publishes print fair special

24 March 2025

Abbott & Holder have just published their second list of available works for March

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Football programme recalls friendly match called off amid febrile atmosphere

24 March 2025

Underlining once again the desirability of football match programmes for games that were actually postponed or cancelled, an Arsenal example offered on March 3 hammered at £7500 via thesaleroom.com.

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