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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How Lewis Carroll caused a tin calamity

26 June 2026

The so-called Biscuit Tin Episode in the life of author Charles Dodgson left behind a great collectable: the W&R Jacob & Co lithographed tin, one of which was offered by Hartley’s on June 17.

Rena Neville, head of art division at FCS Compliance.

Latest anti-money laundering regulations: new amendments issued, guidance to come

26 June 2026

New UK anti-money laundering rules coming into force are set to affect auction houses, dealerships, art advisers and other art market participants.

George III armchair

Chairs from the storied Frederick Parker collection sold at Sworders auction

26 June 2026

Selected elements of the Frederick Parker Collection of Chairs have been sold at auction ahead of the educational resource’s imminent move to new site in the London Docklands area.

art on display

Event moves from church to church

26 June 2026

A TV casting director who launched a vintage and mid-century fair in March at the Grade I-listed St Stephen’s Church in Hampstead (with another in June) is moving to another ecclesiastical setting on Saturday, July 11, for the third event, also in north London.

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Architect’s collection draws in furniture fans

26 June 2026

Items from the collection of architect Christopher Smallwood (1937-2024) were offered for sale at Dreweatts on May 13.

Dolls’ houses pictured at the specialist fair run in Cobham which is about to expand to the west of England.

Second home for dolls’ houses

26 June 2026

Dolls’ houses, these tiny homes and their teensy furniture, create passionate collectors.

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Linen press of impressive proportions

26 June 2026

Out of vogue for a decade or more, most Regency mahogany linen presses sell for a few hundred pounds at auction.

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Executed king immortalised in silkwork miniature

26 June 2026

A rare English silkwork portrait miniature of Charles I sold well above its £3000-5000 estimate for £24,000 at a Bonhams (28/27% buyer’s premium) sale that ran online from June 2-16.

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Eclectic charm in Holland Park

26 June 2026

The contents of the London home furnished by a renowned Christie’s auctioneer and a distinguished interior decorator emerged at Dreweatts (27/26% buyer’s premium) earlier this month.

An Art Deco lamp

Expect ‘great fun and serious buyers’

26 June 2026

As Premier Fairs, Richard Burtonshaw organises two glass and decorative fairs in the UK.

The entrance to the grounds at the Décor fair.

Sun, sales, and a stunning new location make Sanctum Fairs’ Décor event a deserved success

26 June 2026

Sanctum Fairs held its annual event at a new Henley venue, Stonor Park.

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BADA dips toe into Rutland for the first time

26 June 2026

A new venue for an art and antiques fair is a big bet.

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Cabinet on stand is linked to Gerrit Jensen

26 June 2026

Working in St Martin’s Lane, London, from 1680 until his death in c.1705, the Flemish-born cabinetmaker Gerrit Jensen is often associated with marquetry furniture from the William and Mary period.

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Fierce cockatrice glares over viewers

26 June 2026

This George II Palladian giltwood looking glass sold for £17,000 (estimate £2000-3000) at Lawrences (25% buyer’s premium) in Crewkerne on June 17.

Nu assis au collier by Amedeo Modigliani

Record for a single-owner sale in London as Lewis collection brings heated bidding at Sotheby’s

25 June 2026

On a sweltering night in the capital, a record was set for a single-owner sale in London as the Lewis collection raised an extraordinary £296.3m total at Sotheby’s.

Edward du Cann archive

As Starmer steps down, an auction lot reveals the inside story of how British prime minister Thatcher was set on the road to the top post

25 June 2026

As yet another British prime minister steps/is forced aside, a lot coming up at Lewes saleroom Gorringe’s on July 7 gives a reminder of an earlier momentous change in power.

Annie Wallington

Latest appointments: Phillips bolsters Modern art team and Catherine Southon appoints new valuer

25 June 2026

New appointments at auction houses Phillips and Catherine Southon

Mizzen Topsail Luggers by Alfred Wallis

Lay’s to offer Alfred Wallis painting owned by potter Bernard Leach

24 June 2026

Painted with a scene of two St Ives double-ended mackerel luggers heeling to an offshore breeze, this Alfred Wallis (1855-1942) picture has what Mimi Connell-Lay calls “an absolute dream of a provenance”.

Philip Mould and Fiona Bruce

Fake or Fortune? returns to screens in July with new series

24 June 2026

The BBC show presented by art dealer Philip Mould and broadcaster Fiona Bruce will launch the first episode in a new series on Thursday, July 16.

Emerald carved with head of Medusa

‘Medusa’ emerald pendant turns heads at Dorset auction

23 June 2026

Duke’s latest Fine Jewellery, Watches and Silver auction in Dorchester was topped at £170,000 by this George III hexagonal pendant centred by a carved Columbian emerald within a border of graduated cushion cut diamonds.

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