South-west England

In terms of Modern British pictures sold around the country over the last year, a number of highlights came late in the day.

The estimate of £1000-1500 reflected the condition of an Elizabethan ‘Great Bible’ offered at Cotswold firm Wotton Auction Rooms (20% buyer’s premium).

The Leicester engineer Robert Crawford Johnson (1882-1937) registered the design for the cube teapot in 1916.

A scarce First World War recruiting poster proclaiming Irishmen Avenge the Lusitania has sold to a London museum as part of a large collection offered at Dorset saleroom Onslows (29% buyer’s premium inc VAT).

The silver sale at Woolley & Wallis in Salisbury on February 4-5 includes this Indian silver inkstand by Hamilton & Co.

The highlight of an extensive selection of Barbie dolls offered at Wessex Auction Rooms (19% buyer’s premium) proved to be, as predicted, an example of the very earliest produced.

Former railway stations – plus one still active – can be ideal sites to locate antiques businesses

A gold-mounted garnet intaglio ring depicting the handsome Greek youth Antinous was taken to a multi-estimate £24,000 at Busby’s (25/10% buyer’s premium), triggering speculation it might be one of the lost ancient Marlborough gems.

Lanchester Road in County Durham is a route leading eventually into the village of that name, surrounded by fields but essentially unremarkable.

Covid lockdowns forced a rethink for a businessman focused on providing meals at music festivals

Some strong bids were achieved in 2024 for the best of the Della Robbia Pottery but none higher than the £14,000 tendered at Woolley & Wallis (plus 26% buyer’s premium) for a large plaque by Cassandra Annie Walker.

This oak panelled back armchair can be firmly dated to the Commonwealth period.

Portrait of artist's wife stands out among works by more famous names in Salisbury saleroom

The recipient of this George III period shamshir was once described by military historian Sir John Fortescue as “the bravest man to ever wear a red coat”.

This printed crepe paper ‘programme’ marks one of the key Suffragette rallies of the Edwardian era.