UK

Music legend’s art collecting was little known but prolific

The work of artist and art historian Tom Cross (1931-2009) is showcased this autumn with an exhibition spanning two Cornish venues.

William Cookworthy (1705-80), a Quaker chemist from Plymouth, opened his porcelain factory in 1768 following years of experimentation with China clay he discovered in Cornwall.

Andrew Edmunds was easy to like but a bit difficult to really know. Despite the fact that we were friends for almost 50 years, he kept his life effortlessly compartmentalised.

Boy wizard Harry Potter was up against prize fighter Daniel Mendoza for the top spot at Chiswick Auctions (25% buyer’s premium).

This Calcedonia glass turtle made by Murano master Dino Rosin comes for sale at Norfolk auction house Keys on November 22-24.

Three-inch globes were mostly sold as pocket globes, typically as a terrestrial globe contained within a ray-skin case with the celestial gores for the heavens pasted inside.

Two books concerning the world of antiques have recently been released with the support of UK dealers.

A picture of Kelmscott Manor painted when it was the home of William and Jane Morris is returning to the house after it was acquired for The Society of Antiquaries of London.

An elaborate Victorian meerschaum pipe stood out at a recent Surrey sale.

Auction houses and art dealers are warned to be prepared for visits from HM Revenue & Customs officials checking anti-money laundering procedures.

Wotton Auction Rooms has a new ownership structure as Joseph Trinder re-joins the business.

A dedicated sale of 117 lots from the collection of the late Teesside art dealers and Staithes Group specialists Tom and Rosamund Jordan was held this summer at Tennants (24% buyer’s premium) in North Yorkshire.