UK

Alex Styles (1922-2017) was in 1966 given a glowing accolade in The Times: “Many think he is the finest designer of hand-made silver in England.”

A collection of 32 letters and cards written by Diana, Princess of Wales to two friends came for sale at Lay’s (18% buyer’s premium).

Dreweatts of Newbury will offer a selection of royal-related works in its Interiors sale on May 16.

Dreweatts’ sale on May 17-18 includes a very rare Xuande (1426-35) mark and period cloisonné ‘pomegranate’ box and cover.

The sale of Asian Art at Chiswick Auctions on May 19 is led by this rare example of Ming dynasty cloisonné.

The oshi-e technique, meaning ‘pressed picture’, involves folding and pressing scraps of fabric, such as kimono cloth, and washi paper to create an image.

Kate Day, known as the ‘Queen’s Milliner’, made hats for Queen Elizabeth II even before her coronation and continued afterwards.

Pictured here is a signed photo-portrait of the 20-year-old future Queen Elizabeth II and her then 15-year-old younger sister, Princess Margaret.

Two signed royal portrait photographs by Dorothy Wilding (1893-1976) will be offered at Chiswick Auctions.

Roseberys’ Chinese, Japanese & South East Asian Art sale on May 16-17 runs to over 1000 lots and includes two private collections.

The Antiques Rescue Centre (ARC) received its first donations from an auction house and has catalogued them for its records.

Historic dealership Mallett has been relaunched with furniture specialist Rufus Bird to lead the firm.

A garnet intaglio ring was bid to 450-times estimate at an auction in Birmingham after speculation that it could be one of the ‘lost’ Marlborough gems.

A small Modern British art fair is launching in Aldeburgh this summer to coincide with the town’s historic music festival.

Fifty years after buying it the first time, former dealer Ray Heath has been reunited with a beloved Moorcroft vase.