UK

The United Kingdom accounts for more than one fifth of the global art market sales and is the second biggest art market after the US.

Through auctioneers, dealers, fairs and markets - and a burgeoning online sector - buyers, collectors and sellers of art and antiques can easily access a vibrant network of intermediaries and events around the country. The UK's museums also house a wealth of impressive collections

Nelson bust

Nelson memorabilia busts expectations at Dorset auction

17 April 2023

Nelson memorabilia from a private collection in Devon was keenly fought over at Duke’s Spring auction.

Reverse painted mirror

Reverse appeal reflects export mirror’s condition

17 April 2023

This 18th century Chinese export reverse-painted mirror in a period gilt frame took a five-figure sum at auction.

Mosaic roundel

Pick of the week: Mosaic for the Bloomsbury set in demand at Berkshire auction

17 April 2023

Boris Vasilyevich Anrep (1883-1969), a Russian who lived and worked for most of his life in Britain, is not well known today.

The Study of Sociology by Herbert Spencer

On the origin of the ‘survival of the fittest’ comes to London auction

17 April 2023

This copy of 'The Study of Sociology' by Herbert Spencer is a first edition from 1875 in original cloth.

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A silver-gilt bell used at George II's coronation is among five lots to watch

17 April 2023

With estimates from £200, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week.

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Surely you know Albert Smith?

17 April 2023

Forgotten today, a collection sold in Somerset remembers a multi-talented showman and author

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Porcelain appeal powers Du Boulay vase

17 April 2023

A strong performer in the Anthony du Boulay (1929-2022) sale at Duke’s (25% buyer’s premium) in Dorchester was this 10in (24.5cm) enamelled chinoisierie milchglas vase.

British and Irish book auctions: April 18-28, 2023

17 April 2023

Our regular listing of UK and Irish book auctions

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South American funerary urn stands-out as private collections galore come to Essex auction

17 April 2023

Among the highlights of Sworders’ (25% buyer’s premium) latest Fine Interiors sale was a remarkable anthropomorphic funerary urn from Ecuador.

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Latest Lowry drawing shows rise in demand over three decades

17 April 2023

Simple Salford street scene dating from year after he left art school is now at £70,000 hammer price level

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Dealers go to auction as the trade adapts to a new business landscape

17 April 2023

A spate of businesses taking stock and personal collections to the saleroom reflects wider changes in the market

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Two single-owner collections of drinking glasses on offer

17 April 2023

The sale held by Catherine Southon at the Farleigh Golf Club in Surrey on April 26-27 includes a single-owner collection of 18th century drinking glasses.

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Another winner from Denton Hall consignment

17 April 2023

A high price for a Victorian work sold outside London came at Tennants’ (22% buyer’s premium) latest British, European and Sporting Pictures sale.

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How colour influences value when it comes to Lalique glass

17 April 2023

The latest dedicated sales held by one particular auction house show how the value of Lalique glass – the epitome of inter-war glamour – is determined by its colour

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Racehorses print gallops to £1200

17 April 2023

Bay Malton and Gimcrack are the two most famous flat-racing horses of the 1760s.

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Seeing double eagle heads while drinking

17 April 2023

Enamelled imperial eagle tankards or 'reichsadlerhumpen' – large three or four-litre glass drinking vessels enamelled with the 56 coats of arms and the quaternion eagle of the Holy Roman Empire – were popular from the 16th to the late 18th century.

Visitors to Beccles Antiques Market

Beccles Antiques Market is back

17 April 2023

It’s coming up to open season for open-air markets and the popular Beccles Antiques Market is back this month on Sunday, April 30.

Francis Frith photograph

Three events to provide a snapshot of the vintage photographica market

17 April 2023

Collectors of photography have an eyeful next month in London with three fairs dedicated to the art, both vintage and modern.

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18th century glass: politics that is mixed with pleasure

17 April 2023

The ideas of ‘liberty’ as a cause and a concept were not confined to the coffee shops of Boston and Philadelphia.

Roman Missal prayer book

National Trust buys prayer book of ‘Charles II’s priest’ for Moseley Old Hall

15 April 2023

The National Trust has bought a prayer book at auction in Liverpool for display at Staffordshire farmhouse Moseley Old Hall.

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