Oxford

A significant collection of works by George Bissill (1896-1973), the Derbyshire miner who enjoyed some fleeting success as an artist in the 1920s-30s but who later died largely forgotten, emerged recently at Mallams (25% buyer’s premium) in Oxford.

Few painters on the Danish art scene in the late 19th century felt a close affinity with contemporary English art. Symbolist painter Agnes Slott-Møller (1862-1937) was among the exceptions.

Top lot in a sale held by Mallams (25% buyer’s premium) of Oxford was a 1719-20, first edition set of 'The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe…', 'The Farther Adventures…' and 'The Serious Reflections…' in later but very smart bindings of red morocco gilt by Francis Bedford of London.

The English painter and engraver Bernard Kay (1927-2021) became an established name in the 1950s-60s British art scene but he has never had much of an auction presence.

As 1980s rocker Shakin’ Stevens once sang: ‘Green Door, what’s that secret you’re keeping?’

Mallams’ (25% buyer’s premium) Jewellery, Watches and Silver sale included this Commonwealth silver wine goblet.

Consignments held back during the restrictions are now impressing in salerooms, as recent auction results show

The artist Mary Fedden (1915-2012) was a great lover of opera.

Captain EF Hunter’s 'Map of Arabia and The Persian Gulf' was one of the lots fetching sums considerably in advance of what looked to be quite modest estimates in an Oxford book sale.

John Douglas’ interest in antique base metalware started over 60 years ago.

Portraits boosted takings at Mallams’ (24% buyer’s premium) latest picture sale in Oxford.

Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty, has been a favourite subject in art since ancient times.

Two of the choice pieces of furniture in Bonhams’ Oak Interiors sale on January 20-21 were published examples.

Despite lockdown restrictions Bonhams' traditional Oak Interior offerings performed very well

The Mallams (20% buyer’s premium) two-day Jewellery, Watches and Silver sale in Oxford included some exceptional silver lots.

Pictured below are two textbook Kangxi (1662-1722) period blue and white vases.

A mix of works across different periods and genres drew attention at the first Pictures through the Ages auction at Mallams (27% buyer’s premium) of Oxford.

As implied by an extensive inscription, this souvenir chess piece was produced by Carlo Joseph and Arthur Alphonse Giuliano, sons of the celebrated Italian artist jeweller Carlo Giuliano, to commemorate a chess match played via telegraph in 1897.

Focus on two centres and a Cheshire fair as dealers and organisers encourage visitors