South-west England

From the late 18th century, Birmingham was the centre for the making of ‘toys’ – small decorative objects including boxes, nutmeg graters, buckles, caddy spoons, vinaigrettes and rattles, fashioned from silver.

The many models of anthropomorphic primates that proliferated British decorative arts in the 1860s typically reference Charles Darwin’s provocative and often lampooned 'On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection', first published in 1859.

In the 1920s-30s, the Scottish-born goldsmith Sybil Dunlop (1889- 1968) presided over a workshop in London’s Kensington Church Street dressed in a kaftan and Russian fur boots.

Bonhams’ London Jewels sale on June 5 features a spectacular Cartier turquoise and diamond tiara that comes by descent from Nancy, Viscountess Astor (1879-1964).

Talk of ‘mammoth’ sales usually entails a sizeable selection of lots.

A medieval timber-framed townhouse that hosts the Gloucester Antiques Centre has recently been restored by heritage specialists.

A postcard letter written by a survivor of the Titanic disaster sold for £230,000 (£300,000 with premium included) at Henry Aldridge & Son last month – a record for a letter related to the disaster.

Woolley & Wallis is offering what it hails as a collection of military medals given to “one of Britain’s most distinguished soldiers of the 20th century”.

Vanessa Bell submitted two designs for the 1934 Modern Art for the Table exhibition at Harrods.

Firm specialising in Mid-century items can now offer two floors of furniture and interiors browsing

While few will welcome the news that Bonhams – the last of the major auction houses to hold regular sales Japanese works of art in London – is moving its department to Paris (ATG No 2690), there will be opportunities for UK salerooms that continue to plough this selective but occasionally fruitful furrow.

Here we focus on three events this summer of interest to textiles enthusiasts

An untitled abstract by Gillian Ayres (1930-2018) was among the works attracting interest from the collection of Simon and Jennifer Murray at Dore & Rees (25% buyer’s premium) in Somerset.

Ship models ruled the waves but railway toys were certainly on track too as two sales held either side of the Pond offered the collection of the late Tony Cuff.

Standing 3ft (91cm) high, this miniature rosewood and ivory bureau cabinet illustrates the successful fusion of Indian decoration to English form achieved by artisans working in the port of Vizagapatam in the 18th century.

If you are green fingered but also like getting your hands on antiques, then Louise Allen and Piers Newth’s stall at the 'RHS Chelsea Flower Show' in London from May 20-24 will be of great appeal.

Consigned from a private collection in Oxfordshire, a Wanli (1572-1620) mark and period blue and white jardinière sold for £40,000 at Chorley’s (25% buyer’s premium).