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

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Farm tools help social enterprise to grow

14 August 2023

Antiques furniture dealer Philip Crosthwaite’s popular monthly antiques fair in Norwich will feature Richard Goddard, who sells antique vintage tools for a worthy social cause.

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Georgian tea silver warms up the bidding

14 August 2023

While a few examples survive from the 17th and the very early 18th century, teacups and saucers are a rare form in Georgian silver.

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Nidhogg nestles in Yggdrasil: a Viking bronze die for armour

14 August 2023

A fine example of Viking metalworking was offered at Noonans (24% buyer’s premium) in Mayfair on July 18.

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The web shop window: 'mystery' centre table at Lorfords

14 August 2023

Thousands of items are available to buy from dealers online. Here we pick out one that caught our eye this week.

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Plaquette pays tribute to – or mocks – speaker Lenthall

14 August 2023

William Lenthall (1591-1662) was chosen as Speaker of the Houses of Commons at the beginning of the Long Parliament in 1640.

Figure of Mercury

Summer scorchers: Trio of big prices blows away August cobwebs

14 August 2023

A usually quiet August was dramatically awakened by a series of sleepers that emerged at three UK regional auction houses.

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Cypriot ‘plank’ figure sets a mystery

14 August 2023

Most terracotta plank figures from Bronze Age Cyprus have been found in Lapithos, a once important coastal centre on the north of the island.

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Old Master sales in London bring good and bad news

14 August 2023

Strong results and supply boost the market but challenges remain with bidders highly selective

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Tutankhamen pharaoh tomb find detailed in three volumes

14 August 2023

Account of the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb comes as rare set with dust jackets intact

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Early Commando comics stir the blood of collectors

14 August 2023

Firmly in the British jingoistic ‘boy’s own’ tradition, a collection of Commando comic books turned heads when offered at Stourbridge saleroom Fieldings last year (see ATG No 2556).

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Liner launcher mallet exempted from ivory trade ban

14 August 2023

The ivory-made launching mallet and silver casket from the ill-fated RMS Empress of Ireland came for sale at McTear’s (24% buyer’s premium) in Glasgow.

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Milk jug made for William Beckford’s Fonthill Abbey comes to auction

14 August 2023

Ornate creation from Gothic fantasy comes for sale as part of the Bayreuth collection

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Cheap cape but £21,000 for in demand Star Wars Jawa figure

14 August 2023

The Vinyl Cape Jawa was the first Star Wars action figure to assume mythic status among collectors.

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Heal's garden seat was fashioned from Churchill’s yacht

14 August 2023

This Heal’s set of garden furniture added seasonal warmth to Great Western Auctions’ (24% buyer’s premium) Glasgow sale.

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Oscar Wilde letter ponders inverted commas

14 August 2023

A fine Oscar Wilde letter sold for £16,000 at Dawsons (25% buyer’s premium) in Maidenhead on June 29.

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First Suffolk, now on to Norfolk

14 August 2023

Inaugural Lomax-organised Southwold event could be joined by another high-end fair also in East Anglia

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Cat conveys a sense of calm and domestic comfort

14 August 2023

The presence of a cat added commercial appeal to a 17th century portrait of a young girl offered at Bonhams’ latest Old Master sale in London.

Royal Doulton bird jar

Royal Doulton bird jar stars in our pick of five auction highlights

11 August 2023

ATG’s weekly selection of items that caught bidders’ eyes includes a bird jar reminiscent of the Martin Brothers original designs but made by Royal Doulton.

IACF Newark

New Midlands antiques fair planned by organiser IACF

10 August 2023

Events organiser IACF (International Antiques & Collectors Fairs) is to launch a new fair in the Midlands.

Volvo 245

End of an era for antiques dealers: Volvo Estate cars to no longer be sold in the UK

09 August 2023

After 70 years, the Volvo Estate - the workhorse of countless antiques dealers over the years - is being withdrawn from the UK market.

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