London

MADAM – The new planning law amendment which could affect Portobello Road by opening the door to more gyms, restaurants, offices, clinics, etc is preposterous (see last week’s News).

Concerns have been raised that Portobello Road antiques shops could be under threat under new English planning laws that will make it easier to change the use of a retail building.

Choice specimens of the rarest English coins are reaching new financial territory.

An English translation of a Dutch 16th century sea atlas was among the standout sales at the recent online edition of Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair.

A notable of feature of the Post-War and Contemporary art market is the wide variety of mediums employed.

At a moment when dealers are exploring new ways to trade, Cromwell Place opens for business

Interest from overseas bidders appears to be lifting the market for Banksy (b.1974) prints to a higher level.

Usually running during the summer high season of late June, this year’s Mayfair Art Weekend takes place during another peak of the London calendar: Frieze Week.

A work on paper by Czech artist Mikulas Medek (1926- 1971) drew strong competition at Chiswick Auctions’ (25% buyer’s premium) latest British & European Fine Art sale.

Usually the centrepiece of the London art market in October, Frieze has had to rethink the format of its two mammoth fairs.

A selection of gallery events taking place this autumn in London that focus on Post-War and Contemporary art.

Stand-out lot in a travel, map and natural history sale held by Sotheby’s (25/20/13.9% buyer’s premium) was a grand and elaborately cased set of the monumental 'Description de l’Egypte' of 1809-22.

An auction record for Grayson Perry’s (b.1960) 'Britain is Best', a limited edition coloured embroidery depicting five loyalists from East Belfast, was set at Phillips (25% buyer’s premium) in London on September 10.

The Japanese battery-powered watches once viewed as cheap and lacking soul are now being taken seriously at auction despite collector snobbery

Though best remembered for his work as an illustrator and printmaker, British artist Ethelbert White (1891-1972) was also a prolific painter of English landscapes.

Napoleon’s view after first meeting on St Helena did not improve on closer acquaintance

This exceptionally preserved Greek terracotta seated goddess retaining much of its stylised red slip decoration emerged as one of the highlights of the summer antiquities sales in London.

The Seiko Ref 6139 or Pogue is a watch that many ‘Swiss’ collectors covet because of its good looks and space heritage.

Two years after closing its Mayfair base the gallery has reopened in lively Carnaby Street in London.