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Francis Crick diaries

DNA pioneer Francis Crick’s diaries emerge at Essex auction

26 September 2025

Diaries written by Francis Crick (1916-2004), the English molecular biologist who played a crucial role in deciphering the helical structure of the DNA molecule, come for sale at Essex firm Sworders this autumn.

Gladiateur Mourant sculpture

After the antique: Three sculptures inspired by ancient works bringing demand at auction

19 September 2025

A number of high prices for works modelled on or inspired by ancient sculpture have been recorded at different auctions this month.

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Frink mosaic stands out in Ken Bolan sale

08 September 2025

Ken Bolan, the retired King’s Road, Chelsea, dealer, is having a second post-retirement auction.

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Shackleton and Buffalo Bill show how name association will boost watch value

01 September 2025

A simple Edwardian open face silver pocket watch used on the Trans-Antarctic Expedition sold for £2600 at Kinghams (26% buyer’s premium) in Moreton-in-Marsh.

Livingstone’s coffin attended by his African servant Jacob Wainwright

Faithful servant of Dr Livingstone in focus at Essex auction

11 August 2025

A rare photograph from the funeral of Victorian explorer Dr David Livingstone (1813-73) comes to auction in Essex this summer.

Sihtric I silver coin

Metal detectorist’s 10th century silver penny proves to be a market first

06 August 2025

A previously unknown Anglo-Saxon era silver penny, recently found by a metal detectorist in Lincolnshire, is expected to sell for between £20,000-30,000 at auction in the autumn.

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Titus rises: Another Roman antiquity success at Essex saleroom

04 August 2025

Bust once thought to be 18th century reassessed as 1st century AD after auction house’s research

Art Nouveau brooch

Giants of Art Nouveau reunited in Southend as striking brooch doubles estimate

18 July 2025

A large gold, enamel and gemset jewel combining the talents of two giants of French Art Nouveau has surfaced for sale in Southend-on-Sea.

Covent Garden Fruit Market by Edward Bawden

Bawden prints in demand as artworks from Kent County Council’s collection make over £40,000 at auction

16 July 2025

A group of prints tucked away in the basement of Kent County Council’s County Hall in Maidstone has sold at a Sworders auction.

Silver inkwell

Pick of the week: Renowned collector Dailey adds ear of a war horse to his purchases

14 July 2025

The latest Homes & Interiors sale at Sworders included an extraordinary and highly personal relic from the Waterloo battlefield: a silver-mounted inkwell made from the ear of a war horse.

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Essex glass extra

07 July 2025

A biannual addition to Sworders’ calendar is The Glass Sale - the first on October 28.

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Former rectory supplies library of religious works

09 June 2025

Bibles from the Mulberry House sold well at Sworders in Stansted Mountfitchet

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Games play their part in Essex sale

09 June 2025

Nine-strong collection of Georgian and Victorian games counts as a highlight of mixed auction

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Taylor a happy Hammer after hefty auction prices

26 May 2025

It is perhaps fitting that the shirt belonging to a player who scored two goals successively in the quarter, semi final and final of the 1975 FA Cup would double its top estimate at Stacey’s (25% buyer’s premium) on April 28.

Mary Potter still life

Demand emerges for Mary Potter still life at specialist East Anglian art sale

21 May 2025

A string of works by East Anglian artists, each with their own well-established market, drew notable attention at the latest specialist sale held by Reeman Dansie (25% buyer’s premium).

Paul Atkinson antiques dealer

Five highlights from dealer Paul Atkinson’s collection at Sworders

12 May 2025

The ‘retirement’ sale of dealer Paul Atkinson’s collection at Essex saleroom Sworders this week will be held exactly 50 years since he opened his first antiques shop in Derbyshire.

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‘Nomadic’ dealer’s items set for new home

28 April 2025

Sworders’ run of single-owner sales continues with a two-day auction on May 13-14 titled Paul Atkinson, The Nomadic Collector.

Terence Cuneo painting

Cuneo’s painting of Germany’s unconditional surrender brings bidding at Sworders

22 April 2025

A painting by Terence Cuneo depicting the German surrender at Lüneburg Heath has sold for £60,000 at Sworders.

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Fairs news in brief: events in Essex and Newcastle

14 April 2025

Ken Besford of Durham Promotions NE, organiser of the Great North Decorative Antique Fair, is heading down the straight for the spring edition (Saturday and Sunday, April 26-27) of the triannual event he launched last year at Newcastle Racecourse.

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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.