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

img_25-4.jpg

Vendor’s happiness at £7800 scroll result

18 April 2017

A piece of Russian porcelain and an Asian painting raised most interest at West Country auctioneers Tamlyns (18% buyer’s premium) on March 8. However, a 13in long (34cm) gouache scroll painting of magpies and prunus was considerably more of a surprise.

img_44-1.jpg

Antiques fair helps Petworth thrive

18 April 2017

Petworth has faced some speculation about its future as a hub from members of the trade during the past few years. Once a celebrated spot for art and antiques, the closure of several local shops led to fears that it was losing its footing as a destination for collectors.

img_35-1.jpg

Fresh Welsh wonders from white-glove Bonhams sale

18 April 2017

The March 29 sale by Bonhams (25/20/12% buyer’s premium) of books from the library at Glyn Cywarch featured many highlights.

Elvis gets the GI blues

18 April 2017

Torn, punched with holes, creased, wrinkled and showing loss at the folds, an ‘Organizational Clothing and Equipment Record’ used at Fort Hood, Texas, in 1958 would not at first sight seem an attractive proposition.

img_50-1.jpg

Perth auction house to sell famous tobacconist collection

18 April 2017

Charles Rattray was a tobacconist and blender of fine tobaccos at 160 High Street, Perth. The firm occupied these premises from c.1915 until 1981.

WEB Tennants van 11-4-17.jpg

Early Dinky vans in demand and delivering high prices

17 April 2017

Dinky is one of the most popular names in the toys collecting field, but with a vast array of types made in the firm’s 45-year history, where do you decide to start?

The Old Castle at Studley

A selection of furniture from the contents auction of The Old Castle at Studley

15 April 2017

Hansons’ Spring Fine Art Auction included a collection of contents from The Old Castle at Studley, the Grade II* listed property near Henley-in-Arden in Warwickshire. The entire contents from this Tudor manor house was sold over a number of different specialist sales. At the March 30-April 1 Spring sale, 14 lots from Studley were offered by the Derbyshire saleroom, selling for a total of £7000. The manor house itself recently sold for £1.7m.

Faberge

Russian art expert promotes Fabergé film for Easter

14 April 2017

A Fabergé film produced with the help of the former head of the Russian departments at Christie’s and Sotheby’s is being re-released in time for Easter.

egg

Folk art gallery gets visitors hands-on with egg painting workshop

13 April 2017

South London gallery Modern Folk is hosting a series of Russian egg-painting workshops this week, the first of several interactive events planned at the dealership.

George IV piano

George IV grand piano goes home to Brighton Pavilion

13 April 2017

A grand piano commissioned by George IV for the Brighton Pavilion in 1821 is to make its way home after a local museum won the bidding at auction.

Blenheim

Record crowds attend CADA Fair at Blenheim Palace

12 April 2017

The sixth annual CADA Fair, organised by the Cotswold Antique Dealers Association (CADA), concluded its four-day run on April 2 after an edition marked by an increase in sales and visitor numbers.

Violin made by Antonio Stradivari at auction

Stradivarius violin takes £1.6m at London auction

12 April 2017

A rare violin made in 1684 by Antonio Stradivari sold for £1.6m at a recent sale at London specialists Ingles & Hayday, the third highest price ever achieved at auction for an instrument by the great Italian luthier.

Chinese vases

Chinese sleepers awake at Crewkerne and Cambridge auctions

11 April 2017

Auction house Lawrences of Crewkerne is no stranger to stand-out objects from China after a remarkable vase sold at 150-times its estimate in January.

2288NEDI Alleyways.jpg

Dealers desired for new Dorset antiques centre

11 April 2017

A new antiques centre is to open in Dorset and is on the hunt for dealers to join the premises.

Parliament

Questions raised over government plans for tackling the trade in illegal wildlife and climate change

11 April 2017

The UK government is under pressure to scale down its approach on issues relating to the trade in illegal wildlife and climate change, a leaked document has revealed.

WEB marklin boat 10-4-17.jpg

Simple German toy boat steams to £11,500 at auction

10 April 2017

Sometimes luck plays a big part in what treasures a specialist will find on a valuation.

WEB lifesave Bowman 10-4-17.jpg

Lifesaving medals sold at auction include lifeboat rescue hero

10 April 2017

It may be military gallantry medals that usually get all the glory but honours awarded to a lifeboat crew member sold in a Devon auction typify civilian bravery.

Waugh

Waugh’s ‘disgusting’ ear trumpet sells for £2200 at auction

10 April 2017

The description ‘disgusting object’ failed to put off Evelyn Waugh fans bidding for the author’s old ear trumpet.

European Union flag and parliament 2269NE 01-12-16.jpg

Trade bodies seek multi-pronged Brexit lobbying plan ahead of Great Repeal Act

10 April 2017

The art and antiques trade is taking its Brexit concerns directly to government with the submission of a series of policy documents asking that art market interests are recognised.

CSK

Former Christie's South Kensington boss decries closure plans

10 April 2017

A former chairman of Christie’s South Kensington has written an open letter to owner François Pinault warning that his plans for the company could “gravely harm Christie’s in London”

News

Categories