UK

The large pockets once inserted at the side of this leather armchair – now sealed up – give a clue to the role of the famous person who once sat on it. The chair’s nickname of ‘The Emma’ is another big hint.

Brought about by the sad death of one of the collecting scene’s more colourful characters, the sale of the Adrian Cowdry Collection at Ewbank’s (22.5% buyer’s premium) at Woking on October 12-13 attracted bidders from round the world.

Two sales that dispersed the personal effects of famous film stars, Audrey Hepburn and Vivien Leigh, marked the start of the new London auction season – and scripts, letters and books featured in both.

In our continuing series looking through the keyhole of ‘bricks and mortar’ shops in 2017, ATG talks to Patrick Sandberg, owner of the eponymous shop specialising in English furniture and works of art. Sandberg is one of the dealers exhibiting at the Winter Art & Antiques Fair Olympia (October 31-November 5).

The UK rules around judging export licence applications for art works need to be more straightforward...

Albert Irvin (1922-2015) is known as one of the few UK artists to work in abstract expressionism and his paintings are popular among collectors and the public.

As the popularity of the vintage home look soars, so too do the events which focus on them. Judy Berger founded her Vintage Furniture Fleas seven years ago and credits their success to a tried and tested formula.

Edge Hall, near Malpas in Cheshire, has been a home to members of the Dod family since the reign of Henry II, but the library – sold by Forum Auctions (25/20% buyer’s premium) on October 12 – was formed in the 19th century and is typical of country house libraries.

Golf tournament programmes in Mullock’s (19% buyer’s premium) sale of golf and other sporting memorabilia of October 18-19 included the one shown here, issued for the 1933 Ryder Cup, played on the Southport and Ainsdale courses in 1937.

A double portrait by Federico Beltran Masses (1885-1949) attracted a flurry of bids at Bonhams’ (25/20/12% buyer’s premium) 19th Century European, Victorian and British Impressionist art auction on September 27.

The third and final Decorative Antiques and Textiles Fair of 2017 produced some significant sales in decorative furniture and beyond. Many pieces ticketed for five-figure sums found buyers during the event’s six-day run (October 3-8).